Neutral Explanations for OCD Flashcards
What are the neural explanations of ocd?
-Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters
-Abnormal brain circuits
What is the explanation of abnormal levels of neurotransmitters?
thought that lower levels of serotonin are associated with OCD
What is serotonin thought to have a role in?
Although, serotonin’s contribution to OCD is not fully understood, thought that serotonin has a role in preventing the repetition of tasks
What does a lack of serotonin result in?
lack of serotonin therefore results in the loss of a mechanism that inhibits task repetition
What do anti depressants that increase serotonin activity do?
have been shown to reduce OCD symptoms (Pigott et al 1990)
What do anti depressants that have less effect on serotonin do?
do not reduce OCD symptoms
What are dopamine levels thought to be in people with ocd?
be abnormally high
What is the explanation of abnormal brain circuits?
Several areas in the frontal lobes of the brain are thought to be abnormal (structured differently or functions differently) in people with OCD
Where is the caudate nucleus located?
Basil ganglia
What is the worry circuit?
-The caudate nucleus normally suppresses signals from the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC).
-OFC sends ‘worry’ signals to thalamus, such as a potential germ hazard
What happens when to the worry circuit when the nucleus is damaged?
-fails to suppress minor ’worry’ signals from the OFC and the thalamus is alerted and confirms the ‘worry’ to the OFC creating a worry circuit, which could result in an obsession.
What is synaptic transmission?
process by which neurons communicate
