OCD- biological approach and treatments

Question 1

The cycle of OCD

Answer 1

Obsessive thought (internal) -> Anxiety (internal) -> compulsive behaviour (external) -> temporary relief -> cycle resumes…

Question 2

Assumptions of biological approach

Answer 2

Behaviour defined by biological structures.
Physical basis of feelings and behaviours.
(Genes, brain structure, biochemistry)

1. Genetic explanations
2. Neural explanations (brain structure, neurotransmitters)

Question 3

Genetic explanations

Answer 3

• argued that there is a genetic component to OCD which predisposes some individuals to the illness.
• OCD is POLYGENIC- more than one gene has been identified into the onset of OCD. Taylor (2013) used a meta-analysis and found up to 230 different genes implicated in developing OCD.
• Genes associated with dopamine and serotonin (mood regulators)
• Genes linked to a vulnerability for OCD are called candidate genes.
• The genes related to OCD in one individual may be different for another individual. OCD is AETIOLOGICALLY HETEROGENEOUS.

Question 4

AO3: genetic explanations- supporting evidence

Answer 4

There is evidence to support the link between genetics and OCD.
Nestadt et al (2010) conducted a meta-analysis of twin studies and found that there was a concordance rate of 68% for monozygotic twins, compared to 31% for dizygotic twins.
This suggests the identical genetics of monozygotic twins is more likely to lead to them both receiving an OCD diagnosis, suggesting genetics play a role in OCD.
Having supporting research is a strength of the explanation because it increases the credibility.