Neural explations of OCD and drug treaments Flashcards
What are 2 explanations for OCD?
Neurotransmitters and brain structure
How do neurotransmitters explain OCD?
Serotonin regulates mood so may be low in those with OCD as low serotonin results in the loss of the mechanism that inhibits repetition
What are the two brain structures that explain OCD?
Orbital frontal cortex and parahippocampal gyrus
How does the orbital frontal cortex explain OCD?
It is involved in decision making and logical thought so with this in hyperactivity in this area, they can’t switch off impulses to perform a behaviour
How does the parahippocampal gyrus explain OCD?
It is associated with processing unpleasant emotions (reducing them) so may be functioning abnormally and unpleasantness isn’t reduced, triggering compulsive behaviour
What is the standard procedure to treat OCD?
Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors
What is a limitation of the serotonin explanation?
There is co-morbidity with depression and they are both low serotonin
How does is serotonin take up?
It is released by certain neurons in the brain and is released in the presynaptic neurons and travels across the synapse
How do SSRIs work?
They prevent the re absorption and breakdown of serotonin in back into the presynaptic membrane
What is the effect of SSRIs?
They increase levels of serotonin in the synapse and therefore continues to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron
How long does it take SSRIs to work?
What is research support of drug treatments?
Fineberg et al. assessed the efficacy of escitalopram as a biological treatment of OD
What was Finebergs finding?
After 24 weeks, out of 320 patients, 52% of the placebo group and 23% of the escitalopram group reported a relapse of symptoms
What is a strength of drug treatments for OCD?
It is cost-effective and non-disruptive
What is a limitation of drug treatments for OCD?
Alternative treatments may be more appropriate
