Psychology Flashcards
2 biological explanations for OCD
Genetic
neural
what is the brief genetic explanation
it suggests that OCD is passed down through specific genes from parents
what is a brief neural explination
suggests that certain areas of the brain and abnormal levels of neurotransmitters can lead to OCD
Taylor 2003 (genetic)
suggests there is 230genes involved with OCD suggesting it is polygenic
COMT gene
associated with regulating levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter), and high dopamine levels are associated with OCD.
SERT gene
affects the serotonin transport, and low serotonin levels are linked to OCD
name the 2 neurotransmitters
Dopamine
serotonin
what does the basal-ganglia do in the brain
linked to coordination of movement and if damaged often OCD like symptoms are developed
what does the orbito-frontal cortex do in the brain
the worry circuit. worrying thoughts
3 detentions of abnormality
statistical infrequency
deviation from social norm
failure to function adequately
describe statistical infrequency
common behaviours and traits compared to the population E.G. IQ levels
describe deviation from the social norm
behaviours that are different than the social standards in society E.G. a different culture
describe failure to function adequately
inability to cope with daily challenges E.G. washing; observers can feel discomfort in their presence
explain phobias by the 2-procces model
how phobias are acquired and maintained. acquired via classical conditioning as the phobic object changes from neutral stimulus to a conditioned stimulus. maintained via operant conditioning through negative reinforcement
a strength of the 2-process model
strength= Watson and Rayner showed that phobias could be introduced to a child by making a loud noise when presenting a rat to a child.
