OCD

Question 1

What are the two explanations of OCD?

Answer 1

Genetic- transmitted through genes
Neural- determined by behaviour of the nervous system

Question 2

What are the clinical characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

Behavioural- compulsions/repetitive motor behaviour, e.g. washing hands excessively
Emotional- Anxiety and distress caused by obsessions
Cognitive- obsessions, selective attention

Question 3

Evidence of genetic explanations

Answer 3

Family studies
Concordance rates- Bellodi et al (2001)
Candidate genes create genetic vulnerability
Diathesis stress model- genetic vulnerability requires environmental stressor

Question 4

Neural explanations

Answer 4

Neurotransmitters- low levels of serotonin affects mood- anxiety
Evidence that left parahippocampul gyrus(processes unpleasant emotions) functions abnormally in OCD
Rapport and Wise (1990) proposed hypersensitivity of basal ganglia gives a rise to repetitive motor behaviours seen in OCD
Orbital Frontal Cortex involved in decision making and worrying about social and other behaviour, overactive in OCD

Question 5

Genetic explanations evaluation

Answer 5

Research support- Nestadt (2010) reviewed twin studies, MZ 68%, DZ 31%
Diathesis stress- Not entirely genetic, may be more productive to focus on environmental factors, Cromer (2007) most patients had trauma, worst had more than one
Difficult to separate genetic and environmental
Psychologists not been successful at pinning down all genes involved

Question 6

Neural explanations evaluation

Answer 6

allows medication to be developed- not entirely effective
Evidence of OFC affecting OCD

Question 7

What is the main biological therapy for OCD?

Answer 7

Drugs- changes in level of neurotransmitters in the brain, mainly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
Often used alongside CBT- drugs reduce emotional symptoms, patients can engage more effectively with CBT

Question 8

What are tricyclics?

Answer 8

Prevent reabsorption of serotonin and noradrenaline
Have more side effects than SSRIs

Question 9

Drug therapy evaluation

Answer 9

Research support- Soomro (2009)- SSRIs effective in reducing symptoms of OCD
Koran et al- most studies only last 3-4 months and have high relapse rate
Drugs are cost effective and non disruptive
Can tackle comorbidity
Can have side effects
Not effective for everyone
Research may be sponsored so bias