The biological approach to explaining OCD Flashcards
What are genetic explanations?
Genes are involved in vulnerability to OCD
Aubrey Lewis observed that of his OCD paitents, 37% had parents with OCD and 21% had siblings with OCD
This suggests that OCD runs in families
diatheisis - stress model = certain genes leave some people more likely to develop a mental disorder
What is the role of candidate genes?
Candidate genes have been linked to creating vunerability to OCD
These genes are involved in regulating serotonin
The 5HT1-D gene beta has been implicated in the transport of serotonin across synapses
Is OCD polygenic?
Yes, a combination of genes together significantly increase vunerability for OCD
Steven Taylor analysed findings of studies and found that 230 different genes may be involved in developing OCD
These genes have been associated with regulating OCD dopamine and serotonin
List all of the genetic explanations.
Candidate genes
OCD is polygenic
Different types of OCD
What are the different types of OCD?
Different types of ocd = OCD is aetogically heterogeneous meaning that the origins of OCD may vary from one person to another
OCD can also be due to partcicular genetic variations = for example hoarding disorder and religous obsession
What are the neural explanations of OCD?
- the role of serotonin
- descision making systems
What is the role of serotonin?
- OCD regulates mood.
- Neurotransmitters relay information from one neuron to another
- if an indvidual has low serotonin levels, the normal transmission of mood relevant information does not occur and therefore the individual may experience low moods
What is the impact of OCD on decision making systems?
- some cases of OCD, such as hoarding have been linked with impaired decision making
- This can be associated with the abnormal functioning of the lateral (sides) of the frontal lobe
- The frontal lobe is responsible for thinking logically and making decisions, therefore without this functionally normally it can lead to impaired decision making and functioning skills
- The left parahippocampal gyrus may also be involved (abnormally functioning) which is associated with processing unpleasant emotions and functions in OCD
Evaluate genetic explanations
S =There is evidence from twin studies. Gerald Nestadt reviewed twin studies and found 68% of identical twins shared OCD compared to 31% non identical twins. This shows that there is genetic influence on the development of OCD. Additionally, another prove of the impact of genetic explanations are that Marini and Stebnicki found that individuals with a family member with OCD are around four times more likely to develop it. This shows the influence of genetic influences on the development of OCD.
L = there are environmental risk factors such as traumatic events and unhealthy upbringings that highly contribute to OCD. Kiana Cromer found that over half the OCD clients in their sample had experienced a traumatic event in their past. OCD was more severe in those with one or more traumas.
Evaluate neural explanations
S = There is existing evidence that antidepressants which work purely on serotonin have been linked to reducing OCD symptoms and this suggests that serotonin was linked to OCD. Also OCD symptoms have been known to be linked to other conditions such as parkinsons disease. This shows that if a biological disorder produces these OCD symptoms, that biological process underlines OCD.
L = the serotonin - OCD link may not be unique to OCD as many people with OCD experience depression. This is called co = morbidity. Therefore, serotonin activity may be disurpted due to depression and not OCD, weakening the link of OCD and serotonin
