OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Flashcards
Behavioural Characteristics of OCD
repetitive compulsions
Emotional Characteristics of OCD
Anxiety
Comorbid with depression
Cognitive Characteristics of OCD
Obsessions
cognitive strategies to deal with Obsessions
what Genes are linked with OCD and what does this cause
variation of COMT (increased dopamine)
compulsive behaviours
variation of SERT and 5HT1-Beta (decreased serotonin)
low mood
What brain structures are linked with OCD and what symptoms do they cause
Abnormalities with
The basal ganglia - low mood
The orbitofrontal cortex - poor decision making abilities
What are Benzodiazepines and what do they do
Drugs that enhance the action of the neuro transmitter GABA
causes a quieting effect on the brain
How do SSRIs help OCD
OCD is linked with low serotonin, SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in the synapse and reduce symptoms of OCD
Evaluation (research into OCD) how does research have real life application
Finding of the involvement of the SERT gene has led to treatments involving SSRIs
Evaluation (research into OCD) how does research use family studies
OCD sufferers
Siblings 21%
Parents 37%
Evaluation (treatments for OCD) how are drug treatments more cost effective than other therapies
other therapies (like CBT) are paid hourly and usually expensive, Drugs like SSRIs are much cheaper
Evaluation (treatments for OCD) how are drug treatments more efficient than other therapies
doesn’t require motivation
Evaluation (treatments for OCD) how do treatments have evidence to support
Soomro et al
In 17 different trials SSRIs were more effective than placebos
Evaluation (treatments for OCD) what side effects do treatments have
Tricyclics (an antidepressant) can have numerous adverse effects like weight gain
