Psychopathology- The Biological Approach To Explaining OCD Flashcards
Biological approach -
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.
Genetic explanations -
Genes make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism (such as eye colour, height) and psychological features (such as mental disorder, intelligence). Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring, i.e. inherited.
Neural explanations -
The view that physical and psychological characteristics are determined by the behaviour of the nervous system, in particular the brain as well as individual neurons.
What does the genetic explanation of OCD suggest?
The genetic explanation suggests that OCD may have a biological basis, with genes contributing to individual vulnerability to the disorder.
What evidence supports the idea that OCD runs in families?
Lewis (1936) found that 37% of OCD patients had parents with OCD, and 21% had siblings with the condition, suggesting a genetic link.
What does genetic vulnerability mean in the context of OCD?
Genetic vulnerability refers to the increased likelihood of developing OCD due to inherited genetic factors, but it does not guarantee the development of the disorder.
What is the diathesis-stress model in relation to OCD?
The diathesis-stress model suggests that while certain genes may increase susceptibility to OCD, environmental stressors or experiences are necessary to trigger the condition.
What are candidate genes in OCD?
Candidate genes are genes identified as contributing to OCD vulnerability. These genes often affect the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Which gene is associated with serotonin transport in OCD?
The gene 5HT1-D beta is involved in the efficiency of serotonin transport across synapses, which may play a role in OCD development.
What does it mean that OCD is polygenic?
OCD is polygenic, meaning it is caused by multiple genes rather than just one single gene.
How many genes might be involved in OCD according to Taylor (2013)?
Taylor (2013) found that up to 230 different genes could be involved in OCD, including genes related to dopamine and serotonin.
What is aetiological heterogeneity in relation to OCD?
Aetiological heterogeneity means that OCD can have different causes in different individuals, with different sets of genes contributing to the disorder in each case.
How might genetic variations affect different types of OCD?
Different genetic variations may lead to different types of OCD, such as hoarding disorder or religious obsession.
How do genes affect neurotransmitter systems in OCD?
Genes associated with OCD likely influence neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, and can impact brain regions involved in mood and emotional regulation.
What role does serotonin play in OCD?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Low levels of serotonin may impair the transmission of mood-relevant information in the brain, contributing to OCD symptoms.
How is serotonin linked to the development of OCD?
A reduction in serotonin functioning can contribute to OCD, as the neurotransmitter plays a critical role in regulating mood and behavior.
How does impaired decision-making relate to OCD?
Some cases of OCD, especially hoarding disorder, involve impaired decision-making, which may be associated with abnormal functioning of the frontal lobes.
What are the frontal lobes responsible for, and how do they relate to OCD?
The frontal lobes are involved in logical thinking and decision-making. Abnormalities in these areas may contribute to the decision-making difficulties seen in some forms of OCD.
What is the role of the left parahippocampal gyrus in OCD?
The left parahippocampal gyrus is associated with processing unpleasant emotions. It has been shown to function abnormally in people with OCD.
What is the supporting evidence for the genetic explanation of OCD?
Twin studies provide strong evidence for a genetic basis of OCD. Nestadt et al. (2010) found that 68% of identical twins shared OCD, compared to 31% of non-identical twins, suggesting a genetic influence.
Why is it difficult to identify all the genes responsible for OCD?
OCD is polygenic, meaning multiple genes are involved. Each genetic variation increases the risk of OCD only slightly, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact genes involved.
What limitation does the genetic explanation of OCD have in predicting the disorder?
Because several genes are involved, the genetic explanation provides limited predictive value, making it difficult to predict who will develop OCD.
How do environmental factors contribute to the development of OCD?
Environmental factors, such as traumatic events, can trigger or increase the risk of developing OCD, particularly in those who are genetically predisposed.
What did Cromer et al. (2007) find about environmental factors in OCD?
Cromer et al. (2007) found that over half of OCD patients had experienced a traumatic event, and those with multiple traumas had more severe OCD symptoms.
