Psychopathology: Biological approach to OCD Flashcards

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1
Q

What does the biological approach say about OCD

A
  • assumes psychological disorders are physical illnesses with physical causes.
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2
Q

(+) Explain the Evidence FOR genetic factors to OCD (Billet) (Pauls)

A
  • Billet et al -> meta-analysis of twin studies.
    -> for identical twins, if one had OCD then 68% of the time both had it.
    -> compared to 31% for non identical twins.
  • Pauls et al -> 10% of people with an immediate relative with OCD also suffered.
    -> compared to around 2% of people in the general population.
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3
Q

(-) explain the evidence AGAINST the biological approach to OCD

A
  • No study has proved 100% concordance route -> genetics can’t be the full story.
    -> possible that children IMITATE behaviour of relatives instead.
  • Concordance rates don’t prove OCD is caused by genetics.
    -> may be that general anxiety is genetic and going on to develop OCD has other contributing factors -> e.g. biochemical or psychological factors.
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4
Q

(+) explain the biochemical factors in OCD (FOR) (Insel) (Zohar)

A
  • PET scans show levels of serotonin are lower in OCD sufferers.
  • Insel -> found that the class of drugs, SSRIs, which increase levels of serotonin can reduce symptoms of OCD in 50-60% of cases.
  • Zohar et al -> found SSRIs alleviated symptoms in 60% of patients with OCD.
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5
Q

(-) explain evidence AGAINST biochemical factors in OCD

A
  • SSRIs don’t offer relief in 100% of cases -> may be more to understanding OCD.
  • Link with serotonin is correlational -> doesn’t show the cause and effect of OCD.
    -> Decreased serotonin levels may be a symptom rather than a cause.
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6
Q

(+) explain the neurological factors of OCD (Evidence for) (Max)

A
  • Max et al -> increased rated of OCD in people after head injuries that cause brain damage to the basal ganglia.
  • research found increased activity in this area during OCD related behaviours.
  • OCD is often found with other diseases that involve the basal ganglia.
    -> E.g. Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
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7
Q

(-) explain evidence against neurological factors of OCD (Evidence for) (Aylward)

A
  • found no significant difference in basal ganglia impairment between OCD patients and controls.
  • basal ganglia damage hasn’t been found in 100% of people with OCD.
    -> can’t be the full story
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8
Q

give the strengths of the biological approach

A

Strengths:
- scientific basis -> evidence that low serotonin and damage to the basal ganglia correlate with cases of OCD.
-> doesn’t necessarily show a causal relationship.
- Twin studies have shown genetics have some effect on chances of OCD.
- Ethical -> ppl aren’t blamed for their disorders -> just are ill.

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9
Q

Explain how OCD can be treated with Drug Therapy

A
  • drug therapy increases serotonin levels using SSRIs (an antidepressant drug that increases availability of serotonin).
  • SSRIs prevent reuptake of serotonin in the synoptic cleft.
    -> means more serotonin is available to the next neuron.
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10
Q

(+) Explain the strengths of drug therapy to OCD

A
  • Lots of research support -> Thoren et al found the use of an SSRI was significantly better at reducing obsessional thoughts than a placebo.
  • Other antidepressants that don’t affect serotonin levels are ineffective at reducing OCD symptons.
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11
Q

(-) Explain the weaknesses of drug therapy to OCD

A
  • Up to 50% patients with OCD don’t experience improvements in symptoms when taking SSRIs.
    -> Out of those who do improve -> up to 90% have a relapse when they stop taking them.
  • SSRIs must be taken for several weeks before any improvement in symptoms.
  • Side effects: Nausea + headaches, increased anxiety at times.
    -> can cause ppl to stop taking medication.
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12
Q

give the weaknesses of the bio approach

A

Weaknesses:
- doesn’t consider the effect of environment, child exps + social influences.
- Ethical concerns with biological therapies -> drugs can produce addiction and may only suppress symptoms rather than cure the disorder.

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