Psychopathology - OCD Flashcards
What is OCD?
A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour
What is the cycle of OCD?
Obsessive thought -> Anxiety -> Compulsive behaviour -> Temporary relief
What are the two behavioural characteristics of OCD?
Compulsions = repetitive as they feel compelled to repeat behaviour and reduce anxiety
Avoidance = sufferers attempt to avoid situations which trigger anxiety
What are the three emotional characteristics of OCD?
Anxiety & distress - ocd is an unpleasant emotional experience. The urge to repeat causes anxiety
Accompanying depression - anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment
Guilt & disgust - involves irrational emotions
What are the three cognitive characteristics of OCD?
Obsessive thoughts - 90% of ocd sufferes have these, vary from person to person but are always unpleasant
Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions - sufferes adopt cognitive coping strategies e.g praying to help manage anxiety
Insight into excessive anxiety - individual is cognitively aware of the fact their fears and anxiety and irrational
Explain the biological approach to explaining OCD (genetics)
Suggests OCD is inherited and polygenic. Diathesis = genetic vulnerability. Focuses on particular genes which are implicated in OCD.
COMT gene is associated with the regulation of dopamine, the mutation means a higher level which can cause OCD.
What does polygenic mean?
Not caused by one gene, Taylor (2013) found there could be up to 230 involved
Evaluate the genetic biological approach to explaining OCD
✅ Supporting evidence - Lewis (1936) examined patients with OCD found 37% had parents with the disorder and 21% had siblings who suffered. Does not rule out environmental factors
❌ No 100% concordance rate - No MZ twin study has been able to establish a 100% concordance rate, suggesting there are other factors not just biological contributing to OCD.
Explain neurochemistry as an explanation for OCD
The role of neurotransmitters as serotonin is believed to play a part in OCD. Low levels = mood disorders. Dopamine is also implicated in OCD as higher levels are associated with compulsive behaviour
Explain neuroanatomy as an explanation of OCD
Basal gangia is a brain structure involved in processes such as coordination. Injuries to this region can cause OCD symptoms, mostly compulsions
Evaluate the neural explanations of OCD
✅ Supporting evidence - Brains of OCD patients are structured and function differently to others.
❌ Ignores other factors - Some psychologists suggest OCD may be learnt through CC and maintained through OC
What are two drug therapies used to treat OCD
SSRI’s and Benzodiazepines
Explain SSRI’s as a biological approach to treating OCD
Low levels of serotonin arr treated with SSRI’s. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the level of serotonin available in the synapse by preventing it from being reabsorbed into the pre-synaptic nerve. Which is results in more serotonin being received by the post synaptic nerve.
It takes 3/4 months of usage for noticable changes in mood.
Explain Benzodiazepines as a biological explanation of treating OCD
They enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA which tells the neuron’s in the brain to ‘slow down and stop firing’ Around 40% respond to GABA. BZ’s have a general quietening influence on the brain and consequently reduce anxiety.
Evaluate drug therapies as a biological approach to treating OCD
✅ Research support - Uses randomised drug trials which compare the effectiveness of SSRI’s & placebos. Drugs that increase serotonin have been shown to reduce OCD symptoms. Soomro found SSRI’s were significantly better at reducing symptoms then placebos in 17 clinical trials.
❌ Side effects - evidence suggests SSRI’s are effective. Some patients experience mild SE e.g indigestion and extreme SE e.g hallucinations. BZ’s are known for being addictive and can cause increased aggression. These side effects can diminish the effectiveness and patients will stop taking the medication
