Psychopathology: OCD

Question 1

What are the 3 Biological Explanations of OCD?

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters
Brain Structure
Genetic Explanations

Question 2

Neurotransmitters Explanation of OCD

Answer 2

Low levels of serotonin have been found in people with OCD
- said to play a very active role in the orbito-frontal cortex and caudate nucleus

• drugs called SSRI increase serotonin in the brain
• people took it showed a reduction in symptoms
• Treatment Causation Fallacy (discovered the cause by the treatment)
• reliability is limited as it treats symptoms, not the cause
• not all OCD is caused by low serotonin levels

Question 3

Worry Circuit (Brain Structure) Explanation of OCD

Answer 3

Caused by brain abnormalities

• cannot identify specific cause due to different environmental factors and complexity of genetics

Question 4

Role of the Orbital-Frontal Cortex (OCD)

Answer 4

sends signals to the thalamus via the caudate nucleus about things that are worrying

Question 5

Role of the Cingulate Cortex (OCD)

Answer 5

cingulate cortex acts as a relay system between the OFC and the caudate nucleus

Question 6

Role of the Caudate Nucleus

Answer 6

usually supresses/regulates signals from the OFC

• with OCD (when it’s damaged), it fails to supress minor ‘worry’ signals and the thalamus is alerted

Question 7

Role of the Thalamus (OCD)

Answer 7

once alerted, sends a signal back to the OFC confirming the worry
- increases compulsions and anxiety

Question 8

Role of the Basal Ganglia (OCD)

Answer 8

causes reflexive and repetitive behaviours (compulsions)

Question 9

Genetic Explanations of OCD

Answer 9

• studied with MZ (Identical) and DZ (Fraternal) twins
• small sample sizes - data may be skewed
• never 100% concordance rate - doesn’t always have a biological basis
• family studies - could be biological, could be social learning theory

Question 10

COMT Gene (OCD)

Answer 10

Reduces action of dopamine
- variation in the gene decreases amount of COMT available
- dopamine isn’t controlled

Question 11

SERT Gene (OCD)

Answer 11

Affects transportation of serotonin
- creates lower levels of serotonin

Question 12

Behavioural Characteristics of OCD

Answer 12

Depression and anxiety
- lack of participation/enjoyment in activities
- low mood
Avoidance
- avoids situations that cause anxiety
Compulsions
- repetitive behaviours that help reduce anxiety
- short term relief

Question 13

Emotional Characteristics of OCD

Answer 13

Depression and anxiety
- lack of participation/enjoyment in activities
- low mood
Guilt and Disgust
- directed at themself
Anxiety and Distress
- obsessions are usually unpleasant
- urge to repeat the compulsion creates anxiety

Question 14

Cognitive Characteristics of OCD

Answer 14

Insight into Excessive Anxiety - aware of the irrationality
- hypervigilance
- paranoia
Obsessive Thoughts
- intrusive, unpleasant thoughts that cause great anxiety

Question 15

What are the 3 Treatments of OCD?

Answer 15

Antidepressants
SNRIs
Benzodiazepines

Question 16

Antidepressants Treatments (OCD)

Answer 16

Raise serotonin levels
- blocks reuptake of serotonin from the synapse
- serotonin available for longer period

Some people do not respond
May take 12 weeks to take effect

• EG FLUOXETINE & SETRALINE

Question 17

SNRI’s Treatments (OCD)

Answer 17

Inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
- elevated levels in the synaptic cleft

More side effects than SSRI’s

• EG AMITRIPTYLINE

Question 18

Benzodiazepines Treatment (OCD)

Answer 18

Increase action of GABA
- makes recieving neuron less likely to fire
- reduces anxiety

EG VALIUM & DIAZEPAM