Psychopathology: OCD Flashcards
What is OCD?
An OCD is described as an anxiety disorder. The condition has two main parts: obsessions
(thoughts) and compulsions (behaviours).
OCD’s are certainly not as common as phobias or depression but approximately 1.2% of the
UK population have OCD.
To be diagnosed with the condition, typically the disorder must be interfering with
day-to-day functioning.
What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?
- anxiety and distress may accompany both obsession and compulsions
low mood and/or depression
guilt and disgust- irrational negative emotions
What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?
- compulsions: repetitive behaviours which are often performed in an effort to reduce anxiety
-avoidance: of situations that trigger anxiety
- having obsessive ideas of a forbidden or inappropriate tyeo creates such anxiety that the baility to perform everyday tasks is hindered
- anxiety levels are so high that they limit social interaction and relationships
What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?
- obsessive thoughts and intrusive ideas that recur over and over again
- cognitive coping strategies praying or meditating
-insight into excessive anxiety, understanding the obsessions and compulsions are irrational
- selective attention, perception tends to be focused on anxiety generating stimuli
Explain, in detail, the genetic explanation of OCD
➔Genetic evidence has found that First -Degree relatives of people with
OCD (e.g. children) have a greater vulnerability of developing the disorder.
➔ Nedstadt et al (2000) found that first-degree relatives (i.e. parents, siblings or
children) of OCD sufferers had a 12 % chance of developing the disorder compared
to a 1% risk in the general population.
➔ Research has also found a specific type of gene that could be responsible for OCD
called ‘ candidate genes’. These genes are involved in regulating the
production of the neurotransmitter serotonin that is also implicated in OCD.
➔ One such gene is called the SERT gene (or 5-HTT) . If this is impaired, it
leads to diminished levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In one study a
mutation of this gene was found in 2 unrelated families where 6 out of 7 members had
an OCD (Ozaki et al, 2003).
➔ In summary, the genetic explanation suggests that some people may inherit a genetic
predisposition to developing an OCD.
Evaluative points for the genetic explanation of OCD:evidence
P: One strength of the genetic explanation for OCD is that there is evidence for the role of
genes in the development of the disorder.
E: For example, Nestadt review of twin studies found a concordance rate of 67% or MZ twins but only 31% for DZ twins
E: Hence, the closer the genetic relationship to a sufferer the greater the risk of developing OCD
L: This suggests that genetics are certainly involved in the transmission of OCD.
Evaluative points for the genetic explanation of OCD: theoretically flawed. use twin studies to explain
P: However, this research also demonstrates that genes cannot be the only factor in the
development of OCD.
E: This is because… if genes were the only explanation then MZ twins wouold show 100% concordance in OCD.
E: As this is not the case there must also be environmental influences, like imitation of role models
L: Therefore the genetic explanation of OCD could be seen as theoretically flawed.
Evaluative points for the genetic explanation of OCD:scientific
P: A strength of the genetic explanation is that it promotes psychology as a scientific
discipline.
E: This is because genetics… can be studied objectively and reliabliy using DNA analysis and studying family history
E:
L: This would suggest that…the genetic explanation of OCD promotes psychology as a scientific discipline
Evaluative points for the genetic explanation of OCD: reductionist
In addition, the genetic explanation of OCD can be considered to be Biologically
Reductionist as it ignores factors other than genes that may affect the development
of OCD.
E: Such as… the role of early trauma in childhood, which has been repeatedly linked to OCD
E:
L: This implies… that although the genetic account of OCD is scientific, its an incomplete explanation of OCD
Neural Explanation of OCD
The role of a damaged caudate nucleus and the orbitofrontal cortex for explaining OCD
Several areas of the frontal lobes of the brain are thought to be abnormal in people
with OCD. The caudate nucleus (located in the basal ganglia) normally suppresses
signals from the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). In turn, the OFC sends signals to
the thalamus about things that are worrying, such as a potential germ hazard. When the
caudate nucleus is damaged, it fails to suppress minor ‘worry’ signals and the
thalamus is alerted, which in turn sends signals back to the OFC, acting as a ‘worry circuit’.
The role of low serotonin for OCD
Lower levels of the NT serotonin which influences mood regulation, anxiety, sleep and social behaviour has been linked to OCD. The exact influence of lowered levels of serotonin is unclear, although one possibility is that serotonin plays a role in preventing behaviour repetition and therefore low leevls of this NT may be linked to the compulsions that can be dispplayed as a symptom of OCD
Evaluative points for the neural explanation of OCD
(research: Ursu and Carter)
P: One strength of the neural explanation for OCD is that there is research support for the
role of brain dysfunction in the development of the disorder.
E: For example, Ursu and carter monitored brain activity in 15 OCD patients using fMRI scans scans and found hyperactivity in the rbitofrontal cortex, exactly what this neural explanation wouold suggest
E:
L: This supports the idea that abnormal brain structures may be a possible causal factor in
the development of OCD.
Evaluative points for the neural explanation of OCD
(cannot establish cause and effect)
P: One theoretical flaw is the link between OCD and brain abnormality is merely
correlational and we cannot establish cause and effect .
E: Both low serotonin and impaired caudate nucleus are linked to OCD, but as we have no before measurements, we are not sure whether they have caused OCD or have developed because of OCD. Perhaps another factor (e.g. early trauma) has caused both low serotonin and OCD to develop.
L: Hence, it could be that these biological abnormalities are a result rather than a cause of
OCD.
Evaluative points for the neural explanation of OCD
practical applications
P: The neural explanation of OCD has been practically applied to help society and the 2-3%
of the population who suffer from OCD.
E: For example, as we know OCD sufferes have low serotonin we can give them medication to raise serotonin and remove OCD symptoms.
E: This treatment has been partially successful, helping nearly 70% of patients that take this medication
L: This illustrates how the neural explanation for OCDs can actually reduce distress by many
of those affected by OCD.
Evaluative points for the neural explanation of OCD
praised for being very scientific
P: The neural explanation of OCD is praised for being very scientific.
E: Neural factors in OCD can be studied in very objective and falsifiable ways. For instance, a damaged caudate nucleus can be readily identified with scanning devices such as fMRIs
E: Likewise, lower serotonin could be deduced by a very sensitive PET scans, or by examining cerebrospinal fluids.
L: This suggests that the neural explanation of OCD helps promote psychology as a scientific subject, worthy of financial backing
