The biological approach to explaining OCD

Question 1

Genetic explanations (GE)

Answer 1

genes make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism and psychological features.
Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring i.e. inherited.

Question 2

genetic explanation - candidate genes

Answer 2

some of these genes are involved in regulating the development of the serotonin system
e.g. the gene 5HT1-D beta is implicated in the efficiency of transport of serotonin across synapses

Question 3

GE - OCD is polygenic

Answer 3

OCD not caused by single gene but several genes are involved
230 genes may be involved in OCD – those associated with the action of dopamine as well as serotonin, both neurotransmitters believed to have a role in regulating mood.

Question 4

Different types of OCD

Answer 4

one group of genes may cause OCD in one person but a different group of genes may cause the disorder in another person. –> etiologically heterogeneous

Question 5

Neural explanations (NE)

Answer 5

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

Question 6

The role of serotonin (NE)

Answer 6

neurotransmitters are responsible for relaying information from one neutron to another.
If a person has low levels of serotonin then normal transmission of mood-relevant information does not tae place and mood – and sometimes other mental processes are affected.

Question 7

Decision making systems (NE)

Answer 7

associated with unmoral functioning of the lateral of the frontal lobes of the brain. - responsible for logical thinking and making decisions