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Psychology AS > Psychopathology - OCD > Flashcards

Psychopathology - OCD Flashcards

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1
Q

what is diathesis stress?

A

the idea that genes are not directly causing complex disorders - the environment will affect whether the disorder is developed or not as well

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2
Q

what are obsessions in OCD?

A

repeated intrusive thoughts that can be calmed by compulsions

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3
Q

what are compulsions in OCD?

A

repetitive behaviours that calm the anxiety caused by obsessions

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4
Q

what are the biological explanations of OCD?

A

neural explanations

genetic explanations

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5
Q

what is the neural explanation for OCD?

A

OCD occurs because of abnormal levels of neurotransmitters and abnormal brain circuits

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6
Q

how can abnormal levels of neurotransmitters cause OCD?

A

people with OCD have abnormally high levels of dopamine and abnormally low levels of serotonin

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7
Q

what are the functions of dopamine?

A

waking up, movement, memory, rewards

main function habit forming

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8
Q

which areas of the brain is dopamine mainly released into?

A

emotional, executive and memory

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9
Q

what are the functions of serotonin?

A

appetite, mood

main function is impulse control

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10
Q

is dopamine an excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter?

A

excitatory

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11
Q

which areas of the brain is serotonin mainly released into?

A

emotional, memory and muscle control

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12
Q

is serotonin an excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter?

A

inhibitory

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13
Q

how can abnormal brain circuits help to cause OCD?

A

when damaged, the OFC - thalamus - caudate nucleus cycle can cause OCD

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14
Q

what is the OFC - thalamus - caudate nucleus circuit in a healthy brain?

A

OFC - sends signals to the thalamus about things that are worrying

thalamus - causes impulses to act and to stop acting once OFC stops sending signals

caudate nucleus - suppresses signals from the OFC

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15
Q

what is the OFC - thalamus - caudate nucleus circuit in a damaged brain?

A

OFC - sends signals to thalamus about worrying things

Thalamus - leads to impulses to act until no more signals from OFC

Caudate Nucleus - doesn’t supress signals from OFC so thalamus acts on minor worries, also sends signals back to the OFC, creating a ‘worry circuit’

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16
Q

what is the genetic explanation to the causes of OCD?

A

COMT and SERT genes contribute to development of OCD

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17
Q

what is the function of the COMT gene?

A

produces an enzyme that degrades dopamine

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18
Q

how is the COMT gene linked to OCD?

A

a low activity form of the gene is found in OCD patients

less dopamine broken down so more builds up in the synapses, especially after stress

19
Q

what is the function of the SERT gene?

A

produces a protein that transports serotonin back to the presynaptic neuron in reuptake

20
Q

how is the SERT gene linked to OCD?

A

high activity variant found in OCD patients

removes serotonin too quickly so less received by next neuron, so has less effects

21
Q

how does the COMT gene and high dopamine levels directly cause obsessive thoughts?

A

COMT activity low

dopamine levels high

caudate nucleus overactive

hypervigilance (anxiety)

obsessive thoughts

22
Q

how does the SERT gene and low serotonin levels directly cause compulsive behaviour?

A

SERT activity high

serotonin levels low

OFC underactive

impulsiveness

compulsive behaviour

23
Q

what are some advantages of the biological explanation for OCD?

A

lead to successful treatments - SSRIs and BZs

fMRIs give reliable and objective evidence

24
Q

what are the disadvantages of the biological approach to OCD?

A

reductionist and determinist - needs stress to kick off condition

problems with treatments such as SSRIs + BZs - side effects

CBT also good treatment

correlation vs causation

25
Q

what are the drug therapy treatments for OCD?

A

SSRIs

Tricyclics

Benzodiazepines

26
Q

What does SSRI stand for?

A

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

27
Q

What are SSRIs commonly used to treat?

A

depression and OCD

28
Q

what are some examples of SSRIs?

A

sertraline

fluoxetine

29
Q

how do SSRIs work?

A

by blocking the reuptake of serotonin from synapses, leading to a buildup of serotonin in the synapse so more are interpreted at the receptor

30
Q

what are tricyclics commonly used for?

A

OCD

31
Q

what is a common form of a tricyclic?

A

amitriptyline

32
Q

how do tricyclics work?

A

blocks reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, increasing their effects

also blocks histamine receptors

33
Q

what are the effects of increased noradrenaline?

A

feeling ‘awake’ and motivated

34
Q

what are benzodiazepines commonly used for?

A

a range of anxiety disorders eg panic disorder, OCD

35
Q

what is an examples of a benzodiazepine?

A

xanax

36
Q

how do benzodiazepines work?

A

by inhibiting GABA

binds to receptors with chlorines channels, causing them to open - usually GABAs job

negative chlorine ions flood into the cell, reducing activity of the cell

37
Q

what are the effects of benzodiazepines?

A

to reduce anxiety and impulsivity

38
Q

what are the side effects of SSRIs?

A

lethargy

reduce cognitive abilities - harder to concentrate or experience physical arousal

39
Q

what are the side effects of tricyclics?

A

being tired and run-down

dry mouth

constipation

high blood pressure

40
Q

what are the side effects of benzodiazepines?

A

addictive

memory problems

nausea

lightheadedness

drowsiness

41
Q

what are the advantages of using drugs to treat OCD?

A

quick effects - SSRIs within a few days, BZ within a few minutes - protection from harm from extreme behaviours

very cheap compared to CBT

good short term solution - get patient into better place to be able to start CBT properly

42
Q

what are the disadvantages of using drugs to treat OCD?

A

side effects

recommended that CBT is used as well as drugs

symptoms return after stop taking them, less likely with CBT

not a good long term solution

43
Q
A

Psychology AS (16 decks)

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