Psychopathology : Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Question 1

What two biological approaches does OCD have

Answer 1

• Genetic and Neural Explanations

Question 2

What is the Genetic explanation for OCD? Study

Answer 2

• OCD is a poly genic condition which means that there are several genes involved.
• Taylor ( 2003 ) suggest that as many as 230 genes may be involved in the condition and perhaps different genetic variations contribute to different types of OCD e.g hoarding or obsession.

Question 3

What are two examples of genes that have been linked to OCD

Answer 3

COMT gene and SERT gene

Question 4

What is COMT gene?

Answer 4

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) regulate the neurotransmitter dopamine. A variation of COMT gene results in high levels of dopamine and this variation is more common in patients with OCD compared to patients without OC. The unfulfilled expectation causes an anxious feeling and an urge to satisfy the void.

Question 5

What is SERT gene?

Answer 5

• Known as 5-HITT gene is linked to serotonin and affects the transport of this neurotransmitter.
• transportation issues causes lower levels of serotonin to be active within the brain and associated with OCD in (and depression).

Question 6

What does Serotonin do?

Answer 6

Regulates mood and lower levels of serotonin associated with mental disorders such as depression.

Question 7

What are two brain regions implicated specifically in OCD

Answer 7

• Basal gangali

- Orbitofrontal cortex

Question 8

Basal ganglia

Answer 8

Is a cluster of neurons at the base of the forebrain, which is involved in multiple processes, including the coordination of movement.
- patient has suffered head injuries in this region often developed OCD like symptoms

Question 9

Orbitofrontal cortex

Answer 9

Is a region which converts sensory information into thoughts and actions.

Question 10

Advantages of What is the evaluation of the Biological Approach to Explaining OCD

Answer 10

One strength of the biological explanation of OCD comes from research from family studies. Lewis (1936) examined patients with OCD and found that 37% of the patients with OCD had parents with the disorder and 21% had siblings who suffered. Research from family studies, like Lewis, provide support for a genetic explanation to OCD, although it does not rule out other (environmental) factors playing a role.

Further support for the biological explanation of OCD comes from twin studies which have provided strong evidence for a genetic link. Nestadt et al. (2010) conducted a review of previous twin studies examining OCD. They found that 68% of identical twins and 31% of non-identical twins experience OCD, which suggests a very strong genetic component.

Question 11

DisAdvantages of What is the evaluation of the Biological Approach to Explaining OCD

Answer 11

• there is an issue of understanding neural mechanisms involved in OCD.
• There is evidence which suggests that certain neural systems do not function normally and patient suffered OCD such as basil ganglia research also has identified other areas of the brain that are occasionally involved as well.
• as a result there is no Brain system which has consistently y been found to play a role in OCD

One weakness of the biological explanation for OCD is that it ignores other factors and is reductionist. For example, the biological approach does not take into account cognitions (thinking) and learning. Some psychologists suggest that OCD may be learnt through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning stimulus (for example, dirt) is associated with anxiety and this association is then maintained through operant conditioning, where a person avoids dirt and continually washes their hands. This hand washing reduces their anxiety and negatively reinforces their compulsions.

Question 12

What are two types of drug therapy that are commonly used in OCD?

Answer 12

1) Antidepressant drugs

2) Anti-anxiety drugs

Question 13

What is serotonin ?

Answer 13

• Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness.
  -This hormone impacts your entire body.
• It enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other.

Question 14

What are antidepressants?

Answer 14

• Antidepressants improve mood and reduce the anxiety experienced by patients with OCD
• Antidepressants are medications used to treat major depressive disorder, some anxiety disorders, some chronic pain conditions, and to help manage some addictions.

Question 15

What happens when Serotonin is released from the pre-synaptic cell?

Answer 15

• When serotonin is released from the pre-synaptic cell into the synapse , it travels to the receptor sites on the post -synaptic neuron.
• Serotonin which is not absorbed into the post - synaptic neuron is reabsorbed into the sending cell.
• SSRIs increase the level of serotonin available in the synapse by preventing it from being reabsorbed into the sending cell.
• this increases the level of serotonin in the synapse which in turn improves the concentration of the brain chemical at the receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron, intensifying the stimulation on the receiving nerve.

Question 16

What are Benzodiazepines (Bzs) ?

Answer 16

• Are a range of anti-anxiety drugs that include trade names like Valium and Diazepam.
• BZs work by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA ( gamma-aminobutyric acid).

Question 17

What does GABA ( gamma - aminobuytric acid)?

Answer 17

-GABA tells neurons in the brain to ‘slow down’ and ‘stop firing’ and around 40% of the neurons in the brain respond to GABA.

Question 18

Advantages of Evaluation of Biological Treatments of OCD?

Answer 18

One strength of biological treatments for OCD comes from research support which uses randomised drug trials. These trials compare the effectiveness of SSRIs and placebos (a ‘drug’ with no pharmacological value).

Soomro et al. (2008) conducted a review of the research examining the effectiveness of SSRIs and found that SSRIs were more effective than placebos in the treatment of OCD, in 17 different trials. This supports the use of biological treatments, especially SSRIs, for OCD.

Another strength of biological treatments is their cost. Biological treatments, including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs, are relatively cost effective in comparison to psychological treatments, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Consequently, many doctors prefer the use of drugs over psychological treatments, as they are a cost effective solution for treating OCD (and depression), which is beneficial for health service providers.

Question 19

Disadvantages of biological treatments of OCD?

Answer 19

However, one weakness of drug treatments for OCD is the possible side effects of drugs like SSRIs and BZs. Although evidence suggests that SSRIs are effective in treating OCD, some patients experience mild side effects like indigestion, while other might experience more serious side effects like hallucinations, erection problems and raised blood pressure. BZs are renowned for being highly addictive and can also cause increased aggression and long-term memory impairments. As a result, BZs are usually only prescribed for short-term treatment. Consequently, these side effect diminish the effectiveness of drug treatments, as patients will often stop taking medication if they experience these side effects.

Finally, drug treatments are criticised for treating the symptoms of the disorder and not the cause. Although SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which reduces anxiety and alleviates the symptoms of OCD, it does not treat the underlying cause of OCD. Furthermore, once a patient stops taking the drug, they are prone to relapse, suggesting that psychological treatments may be more effective, as a long-term solution.

Question 20

What is the Genetic explanation for OCD?

Answer 20

Genetic Explanations:
There is strong evidence to suggest that OCD has a genetic component. Research has identified several genes that may be associated with the development of OCD, including the COMT and SERT genes.

The COMT gene codes for an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase, which plays a role in breaking down dopamine in the brain. Studies have shown that variations in this gene may lead to alterations in dopamine signaling in certain brain regions, which could contribute to the development of OCD.

The SERT gene codes for a protein called the serotonin transporter, which is responsible for transporting serotonin in the brain. Variations in this gene have also been linked to an increased risk of developing OCD, as serotonin is known to play a role in regulating mood and anxiety.

Question 21

What is the neural explanation for OCD?

Answer 21

Neural Explanations:
Neuroimaging studies have revealed that there are certain brain regions and neurotransmitters that are involved in the development of OCD. Specifically, the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex are two brain regions that have been implicated in OCD.

The basal ganglia are a group of structures located deep within the brain that play a role in motor control and habit formation. Studies have shown that abnormalities in the function of the basal ganglia may lead to the development of compulsive behaviors and rituals seen in OCD.

Question 22

How does brain structure involve in OCD?

Answer 22

The prefrontal cortex, on the other hand, is involved in decision-making, planning, and impulse control. Abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex may lead to difficulties in regulating thoughts and behaviors, contributing to the symptoms of OCD.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate have also been implicated in OCD. Serotonin is thought to regulate mood and anxiety, while dopamine is involved in reward and motivation. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is involved in excitatory signaling in the brain, and abnormalities in glutamate signaling have been linked to OCD.