OCD Flashcards
OCD
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by obsessions and compulsions
Obsessions
Thoughts that are unwanted and cause anxiety
Compulsions
Repetitive behaviours that reduce the anxiety
Behavioural characteristics of OCD
- Compulsions
- Avoidance
Cognitive characteristics of OCD
- Obsessions
- Strategies to cope
- Insight into anxiety
Genetic link of OCD
Argued that those who suffer from OCD have genetic vulnerability
They have a combination of certain candidate genes that use OCD
Twin studies
Nestadt 2010 found concordance rates for OCD of 68% for MZ twins and 31% for DZ twins
This supports genetic basis for OCD as concordance rates higher for MZ twins
Emotional characteristics of OCD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Guilt
Limitation of genetic explanation of OCD
Reductionist
P: reductionist
E: concordance rates in twin studies are not 100% so genetics isn’t only explanation for OCD so they have failed to consider other causes eg environment
C: limits understanding and treatment
Limitation of genetic explanation of OCD
Can be criticised
P: twin studies can be criticised as a way of determining whether a behaviour is genetic
E: twins share same environment so it’s difficult to determine whether a behaviour is genetic
C: difficult to separate importance of nature vs nurture.
Role of neurotransmitters in OCD
An imbalance of serotonin is thought to play a role in OCD.
Thought that low levels cause OCD
Could also explain link between OCD and depression
Supportive studies of role of neurotransmitters in OCD
PET scans have shown lower levels of serotonin activity in the brains of OCD patients. Anti depressant drugs that increase serotonin have been found to reduce OCD symptoms
Hu 2006 found lower levels of serotonin levels in OCD patients than non OCD patients
Basal Ganglia and OCD
overactive in those with OCD.
Basal ganglia causes unwanted movements + stops unwanted behaviours
Brain surgery to disconnect basal ganglia has shown to reduce symptoms of OCD
head injuries that damage basal ganglia are most likely to develop OCD
Orbitofrontal cortex in OCD
Drives us to carry out checking behaviours
Overactive in people with OCD - hyperactive
Strength of neural explanation
Developed treatments
P: neural explanation has led to development of treatments eg anti depressants
E: anti depressants are used to correct the imbalance of serotonin. So the symptoms of OCD will be reduced
C: better quality of life
Strength of neural explanation
Studies are scientific
P: the supportive studies are scientific
E: researchers have used PET scans to study the brain. Researcher has high levels of control over their study and it’s replicable
C: C+E relationship eg high levels of serotonin caused OCD
Biological explanation to treating OCD.
what does drug therapy aim to do?
Increase or decrease the levels of neurotransmitter in the brain
What are SSRIs
Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors
They are a form of antidepressant and work on serotonin levels in the brain
Can be used to treat OCD and depression
How do SSRIs work
- In those with OCD, serotonin is released into synapse but reuptake process happens too quickly
- Leaving too little in synapse
- SSRIs slow process down by blocking reuptake of neurotransmitter
- by blocking reuptake channels
- more serotonin found within synapse
- so symptoms reduced
Examples of SSRIs
Fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram
Dosage differs from person to person
Taken daily in tablet form
May take up to 4 weeks before reduction in symptoms
Could take 3-4 months
Strengths of treatment of OCD
effective
P: anti depressants are an effective way of treating people with OCD
E: one study compared SSRIs with placebo drug. 70% decline in symptoms after taking SSRIs
C: shows this form of treatment works, reducing symptoms and therefore, giving sufferers a better quality of life
Strengths of treatment of OCD
Cost effective
P: strength of biological approach to treating SSRIs is that SSRIs are effective
E: SSRIs are cheaper than other forms eg CBT, and have been found to be equally effective
C: good for economy as people can go out and spend money
Limitations of treatment of OCD
Side effects
P: SSRIs may cause unpleasant side effects for the individual
E: side effects may differ from person to person in terms of severity but common side effects are nausea, headache, insomnia, diarrhoea
C: people won’t be able to go out and socialise so they may become isolated. Lowers quality of life
Limitations of treatment of OCD
Treat symptoms
P: SSRIs don’t treat the cause of OCD they only treat the symptoms
E: people may be relieved of symptoms in short term and feel better however when person stops taking medication, symptoms could return again.
C: over dependant on drugs
Additional Strength of treatment of OCD
Not disruptive to life
P: taking SSRIs are not disruptive to patient life eg taking a tablet takes seconds
E: a person can engage in treatment without having to arrange CBT sessions which take long time. They would have to try and fit these sessions around their life
C: easier form of treatment for people with OCD to engage with
