OCD [neural explanation]

Question 1

Which 3 neural explanations are said to cause OCD?

Answer 1

SEROTONIN REDUCTION
EXCESSIVE DOPAMINE
ABNORMAL FUNCTIONING OF PREFRONTAL CORTEX

Question 2

What role does the neurotransmitter serotonin play in OCD?

Answer 2

Candidate genes [from genetic explanation] reduce the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is used for regulating mood
= mental processing can be affected

Question 3

What role does the neurotransmitter dopamine play in OCD?

Answer 3

High dopamine levels are found in OCD patients, which influences concentration
= can explain some obsessive behaviours

Question 4

How does an abnormally functioning prefrontal cortex impact OCD?

Answer 4

It impairs decision making, which can explain hoarding disorder in particular

Question 5

What evidence is there that the prefrontal cortex functions abnormally in OCD patients?

Answer 5

Brain scans showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex

Question 6

What biological evidence is there to support the idea that OCD can be explained by a malfunctioning serotonin system?

Answer 6

Antidepressants which work purely on the serotonin system effectively reduce the symptoms of OCD

Question 7

Why is there uncertainty surrounding neural explanations? OCD

Answer 7

No system has been identified to ALWAYS play a role in OCD, therefore there is little understanding of the neural mechanisms

Question 8

What evidence is there against the involvement of the serotonin system? OCD

Answer 8

CBT can be very successful as a treatment, and is not biological

Question 9

Has a definite causation been identified? OCD

Answer 9

NO - we cannot tell if the abnormally functioning neurotransmitters and systems are a CAUSE of OCD or if they are a RESULT of OCD