Psychopathology - Biological Approach To Explaining OCD Flashcards
What is the biological approach to explaining OCD?
The biological approach is a perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.
What are genetic explanations for OCD?
Genes are involved in individual vulnerability to OCD. For example, Lewis (1936) observed that of his OCD patients, 37% had parents with OCD and 21% had siblings with OCD. This suggests OCD runs in families, although what is probably passed on is genetic vulnerability rather than the certainty of OCD.
What does it mean that OCD is polygenic?
OCD is polygenic, meaning several genes are involved. Taylor (2013) found evidence that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD. Genes studied include those associated with dopamine and serotonin, both of which are neurotransmitters believed to play a role in regulating mood.
What are neural explanations for OCD?
Neural explanations focus on the role of neurotransmitters and brain structures in OCD. Low levels of serotonin are associated with the transmission of mood-related information not taking place, which affects mental processes. Impaired decision-making is linked to abnormal functioning of the frontal lobes and the parahippocampal gyrus.
What is the role of serotonin in OCD?
Serotonin regulates mood. If a person has low levels of serotonin, normal transmission of mood-related information does not take place, affecting other mental processes. Some cases of OCD may be explained by a reduction in serotonin functioning.
What is one evaluation point for genetic explanations of OCD?
There is good supporting evidence for genetic explanations. Nestadt et al. (2010) reviewed previous twin studies and found that 68% of identical twins shared OCD compared to 31% of non-identical twins. This strongly suggests a genetic influence on OCD.
What is one evaluation point about the limitations of genetic explanations?
There are too many candidate genes. Although twin studies suggest OCD is largely under genetic control, psychologists have been less successful at pinning down all the genes involved. This is because several genes have only a small effect. Genetic explanations are unlikely to be very useful because they provide little predictive value.
What is one evaluation point for neural explanations of OCD?
There is supporting evidence for neural mechanisms. For example, some antidepressants that work on the serotonin system are effective in reducing OCD symptoms. This suggests the serotonin system is involved in OCD.
What is one evaluation point about limitations in neural mechanisms?
It is not clear exactly what neural mechanisms are involved. Studies of decision-making have shown that the neural systems involved in OCD are also involved in other disorders, such as depression. This means we cannot really claim to understand the neural mechanisms involved in OCD.
