OCD Ex

Question 1

Genetic explanation

Answer 1

1. The Biological approach would argue that OCD is due to physical factors in the body. Therefore as OCD tends to run in families it would suggest a genetic predisposition (natural risk) to OCD is inherited.(1)
2. The genetic explanation would argue that OCD is due to the inheritance of one or many maladaptive (undesirable) genes e.g. SERT. (2)
3. The genetic explanation would argue the closer the genetic link the greater the risk a person would inherit OCD. Shown in twin studies where monozygotic (identical) twins have been found to have a concordance (likelihood) of 87% compared to concordance rates of 47% for dizygotic twins (non-identical) .(3)
4. Specific genes called ‘candidate genes’ make an individual vulnerable to developing OCD. These are called ‘COMT’ and ‘SERT’ genes.(4)
5. The SERT gene is involved in the transportation of serotonin.
   Mutated SERT gene- reduces serotonin activity levels, which is associated with an increase in anxiety and OCD symptoms.
6. The COMT gene is involved in the regulation of dopamine in the brain.
   One form of the COMT gene, has been found to be more common in people with OCD than those who do not have the disorder. This variation causes an increase in dopamine activity, associated with compulsions in OCD.

Question 2

Neurochemical explanation

Answer 2

1. The neurochemical explanation would suggest that OCD is due to an imbalance in neurotransmitters, specifically low levels of serotonin activity. (1)

Serotonin is involved in maintaining a stable mood.

2. A mutation in the SERT gene causes serotonin to be recycled too quickly back in to the pre-synaptic neuron, before it can activate the post synaptic neuron. (2)
3. The low levels of serotonin activity can lead to anxiety, this can be seen with the obsessions in OCD.(3)

Question 3

Neuroanatomy explanation

Answer 3

1. Theory argues that OCD is due to differences in shape, size and/or functioning of specific brain areas. (1). OCD is linked to an area of the brain known as the basal ganglia.
2. The basal ganglia is responsible for psychomotor functions, hypersensitivity of the basal ganglia may result in repetitive movements. (2)
3. This could help to explain COMPULSIONS experienced by people with OCD. (3)

Question 4

AO3 Limitation simple basic units

Answer 4

P- Biologically reductionist.
E- Reduces the complex human behaviour of OCD down to simple basic units of genes (SERT) //neurotransmitter imbalance // neuro anatomy, for example research has shown that there is a higher prevalence of OCD in certain religious groups where regular cleansing before prayer low serotonin activity levels//hypersensitivity of the basal ganglia.
E- Neglects a holistic approach, which would take into account how a person’s culture and social context could influence OCD e.g. research has shown that there is a higher prevalence of OCD in certain religious groups where regular cleansing before prayer
L- Therefore, the biological explanation of OCD may lack validity, as it does not allow us to understand the behaviour in context.

Question 5

Strength objective and empirical techniques

Answer 5

P- Uses scientific methods.
E- Theory is based on objective (factual) and empirical (observable) techniques such as gene mapping studies and brain scans which are used to identify specific genes (SERT) or areas of the brain linked to OCD
E- for example, hypersensitivity of the basal ganglia.
L- Therefore, some would argue that this increases the overall internal validity of the biological explanation of OCD, thus, raising Psychology’s scientific status.

Question 6

Strength SSRIS

Answer 6

P- Led to practical applications.
E- Principles of the theory, that OCD is due to a mutation in the SERT gene and low serotonin activity levels has led to the development of drug treatments.
E- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) increase the amount of serotonin activity in the brain and this has been found to reduce anxiety, relieving OCD symptoms.
L- Therefore, the biological approach to explaining OCD is an important part of applied psychology as it helps to improve the lives of those with OCD.