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Psychopathology > OCD > Flashcards

OCD Flashcards

1
Q

OCD definition

A

A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour. Obsessions are cognitive whereas compulsions are behavioural

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2
Q

DSM-5 categories of OCD

A
  • OCD
  • Trichotillomania
  • Hoarding disorder
  • Excoriation disorder
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3
Q

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

A

Compulsions are repetitive
Compulsions reduce anxiety
Avoidance

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4
Q

Emotional characteristics of OCD

A

Anxiety and distress
Accompanying depression
Guilt and disgust

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5
Q

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

A

Obsessive thoughts
Cognitive coping strategies
Insight into excessive anxiety

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6
Q

What are the two biological explanations of OCD

A

Genetic explanation
Neural explanation

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7
Q

Genetic explanation- Candidate genes

A

Genes create a vulnerability for OCD

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8
Q

Genetic explanation- OCD is polygenic

A

Different combinations of up to 230 genetic variations/genes causing OCD

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9
Q

Genetic explanation- Different types of OCD

A

Different combinations of gene variations may cause different kinds of OCD

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10
Q

Genetic explanation evaluation points- Research support

A

STRENGTH

68% MZ twins and 31% DZ twins have OCD (Nestadt) OCD 4 times more likely if family member has it

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11
Q

Genetic explanation evaluation points- Environmental risk factor

A

LIMITATION

Over half OCD clients in one sample experienced a traumatic event, and OCD was more severe

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12
Q

Genetic explanation evaluation points- Animal studies

A

LIMITATION

Candidate genes have been found in e.g. mice, but we can generalise from animal repetitive behaviour to human OCD

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13
Q

Neural explanations- The role of serotonin

A

Low levels of serotonin = lower mood which is linked to OCD

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14
Q

Neural explanations- Decision making systems

A

Lateral frontal lobes and parahippocampal gyrus may be malfunctioning

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15
Q

Neural explanations- Worry circuit

A

These nerve cell connections form a loop in the brain. The caudate nucleus lies between the OFC and the thalamus and regulates signals sent between them. When the thalamus receives a ‘worry’ signal, it becomes excited and sends strong signals back through the loop to the OFC, which interprets them.

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16
Q

Neural explanation evaluation points- Research support

A

STRENGTH

Antidepressants that work on the serotonin system alleviate OCD, biological conditions have similar symptoms to OCD

17
Q

Neural explanation evaluation points- No unique neural system

A

LIMITATION

The apparent serotonin- OCD link may just be co-morbidity with depression- the depression disrupts serotonin

18
Q

Drug therapy in treating OCD

A

Treatment involving drugs that have a particular effect on the functioning of the brain or some other parts of the body system.

19
Q

SSRIs

A
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Prevents the reabsorption and breakdown, SSRIs effectively increase levels of serotonin at the synapse and thus continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron
  • Eg. Fluoxetine (daily- takes up to 3-4 months to have impact) in liquid or tablet
20
Q

Combining SSRIs with other treatments

A
  • SSRIs plus CBT offers best effectiveness
  • Used as a combination with other drugs
21
Q

Alternatives to SSRIs

A
  • Tricyclics e.g. clomipramine (acts on serotonin system and other systems)
  • SNRIs (Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)
22
Q

Drug therapy evaluation points- Evidence of effectiveness

A

STRENGTH

17 studies all showed SSRIs more effective than placebos (Soomro)

23
Q

Drug therapy evaluation points- Serious side effects

A

LIMITATION

SSRIs may lead to indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive, worse for clomipramine

24
Q

Drug therapy evaluation points- Cost effective and Non disruptive to life

A

STRENGTH

Relatively cheap for NHS and don’t involve time spent going to therapy sessions

25
Q

Drug therapy evaluation points- Biased evidence

A

LIMITATION

Drug researchers sponsored by drug companies, biased results. But still best available evidence and psychological therapies research may be biased too

Psychopathology (4 decks)

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