Psychopathology- Biological approach to explaining and treating OCD Flashcards
What are 2 types of biological explanations for OCD?
1) Genetic
2) Neural
What is the fundamental belief of the biological approach?
Behaviour (mental disorders) is/are a result of an individual’s biology
What is the role of the COMT gene in the development of OCD?
COMT gene regulates dopamine production, which is implicated in OCD
Lower activity of COMT= higher dopamine
What is the role of the SERT gene for OCD?
Transports serotonin- mutation of SERT=low serotonin
What research supports SERT gene?
Ozami (2003)- mutation of SERT gene in 2 unrelated families, 6 of 7 members had OCD
What does diathesis-stress suggest?
Genes cause a vulnerability for mental disorders (diathesis) and stressors can cause it to develop (stress)
How is the neurotransmitter dopamine associated with OCD?
High dopamine= OCD- e.g. animal studies show similar movement to OCD compulsions
How is the neurotransmitter serotonin associated with OCD?
Low serotonin= OCD (antidepressants increase serotonin to reduce OCD)
What are 3 evaluation points for the biological approach to explaining OCD?
1) Family studies- show genetic link
2) Mapping….. +=early intervention, BUT -=risks with intervention
3) Alternative explanation (e.g. two process model)
What are 3 ways the biological approach uses to treat OCD?
1) SSRI’s
2) Tricyclics
3) Anti-anxiety drugs
What do SSRI’s do to help aid OCD?
Increase serotonin levels
Less addictive
What do trycyclics do to help OCD?
Block transporter mechanism that reabsorbs serotonin & noradrenaline, prolonging neurotransmitter activity
Treat multiple neurotransmitters
What do anti-anxiety drugs do to help OCD?
Slow down CNS activity by enhancing GABA
Relax individual by making it harder for neurons to be stimmulated
What are 3 strengths of drug therapy to treat OCD?
1) Evidence for effectiveness- considerable evidence (evidence vs placebo)
2) Little input needed from the individual (less time & effort)
3) Cheaper, less monitoring than psychological treatments
What are 2 limitations of drug therapy for OCD?
1) Side effects- nausea, hallucinations, aggressiveness
2) Not a long-term cure only ST
3) Publication bias for positive outcome studies, exaggerating their benefit
