Psychopathology 5 | The biological approach to explaining and treating OCD Flashcards
AO1 What does the biological approach propose about the cause of OCD
The biological approach suggests that OCD is caused by genetic and neural factors such as inherited genes and abnormalities in brain structure or neurotransmitters
AO1 What evidence supports the genetic explanation of OCD
Family and twin studies suggest a genetic component as relatives of OCD sufferers have a higher risk of developing OCD
AO1 What does it mean that OCD is polygenic
OCD being polygenic means that it is caused by several genes not just one with research suggesting up to 230 different genes may be involved
AO1 What is meant by aetiological heterogeneity in OCD
Aetiological heterogeneity means that different genetic combinations may cause OCD in different people meaning the disorder has many possible origins
AO1 How is serotonin involved in OCD
Low levels of serotonin are thought to affect mood regulation and may be involved in the development of OCD symptoms
AO1 What is the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in OCD
The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in decision making and detecting threats and overactivity here may lead to compulsive behaviours
AO1 What is the role of SSRIs in treating OCD
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain and are used to reduce OCD symptoms
AO1 What is the typical treatment duration for SSRIs in OCD
SSRIs are usually taken for 3 to 4 months before evaluating effectiveness though some patients take them long-term
AO3 What is a strength of the genetic explanation for OCD
Billet et al did a meta analysis of twin studies and found that if one twin had OCD then 68% of the time both twins had it compared to 31% in non identical twins.
AO3 What is a limitation of the genetic explanation for OCD
No study has found a 100% concordance rate so genetics cant be the full story in OCD. Concordance rate dont prove that OCD is caused by genetics.
AO3 What is a strength of the neural explanation for OCD
Max et al found that increased rates of OCD in people after head injuries that cause brain damage to the basal ganglia.
AO3 What is a limitation of the neural explanation for OCD
Basal ganglia damage hasn’t been found in 100% of people with OCD so it cant be the full story.
AO3 What is a strength of drug therapy for OCD
A strength is that SSRIs are effective in reducing symptoms in about 60 percent of patients supporting the role of serotonin and providing practical treatment
AO3 What is a limitation of drug therapy for OCD
A limitation is that SSRIs can have side effects and high relapse rates suggesting they treat symptoms not the root cause.
Link with serotonin is correlational so doesn’t show cause and effect
