OCD

Question 1

What are the 2 explanations for OCD

Answer 1

Genetic

neural

Question 2

What are the 2 types of studies used for evidence to support genetic reasons for OCD

Answer 2

Family studies

Twin studies

Question 3

Family study example

Answer 3

Paul’s et al (1995)
Reported up to 10% of 1st degree relatives of those with OCD also developed it. Approx. 2% of the population develop OCD

However another reason for this could be SLT

Question 4

Twin study example

Answer 4

Nestadt (2010)
Found 68% of MZ twins (identical) showed concordance for OCD compared to 31% of DZ twins (non-identical)

However it could be down to environmental factors as well/ not 100%/ MZ twins treated more similar

Question 5

polygenic

Answer 5

Number of genes that contribute

Question 6

Candidate genes

Answer 6

Those identified as influential

Question 7

COMT

Answer 7

Controls production of enzyme that regulates dopamine

Explains why higher doping levels are found in OCD sufferers

Question 8

SERT

Answer 8

A mutation of this gene ( which implicated in breakdown of serotonin) is found in families with OCD

Question 9

The diathesis stress model

Answer 9

Some people inherit vulnerability to disorders like OCD

But must be coupled with environmental life experiences

Question 10

What mood controlling neurotransmitter causes OCD

Answer 10

Serotonin

Question 11

what levels of serotonin causes OCD

Answer 11

Low levels

Based onto hat it can be relieved by using anti-depressant drugs which increase serotonin levels

Question 12

What does the frontal cortex do

Answer 12

Decision making

Areas of the frontal cortex are implicated by OCD

Question 13

fluoxetine

Answer 13

Anti depressants-SSRI’s

These block up the re-uptake or absorption of serotonin in the brain

Question 14

tricyclics

Answer 14

Older type of anti depressant
Block transporter mechanism that reabsorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline into the presynaptic cell after it has fired.

However have more side effects than fluoxetine

Question 15

Benzodiazepines (BZ)

Answer 15

Anti anxiety drugs-
They increase levels of GABA reducing serotonin and in turn reduce anxiety

Very addictive only given 4 week dose

Question 16

Strengths of drug therapy

Answer 16

Considerable evidence for effectiveness of SSRI’s- Soomro (2009) found them more effective than placebos
- Zohar et al (1996) drugs that increase serotonin have benefited 60% of patients with OCD

Economy- cheaper/ no sick pay( they can still work)/multi billion dollar industry

Little commitment/motivation

Useful starting point for therapy

Question 17

Weaknesses of drug therapy

Answer 17

30-50% have no benefit ( use Zohar)
Relapse rates are as high as 90%/ no long term cure

May dehumanise

Side effects

Low levels of consent/ can be forced into having them