The biological approach to explaining OCD

Question 1

What are the genetic explanations?

Answer 1

• candidate genes can increase someones vulnerability of developing OCD. A main candidate gene is 5HT1 - D which implicates the transport of serotonin across synapses
• OCD is also polygenic meaning multiple combinations of genes can cause it. 230 genes have been identified.
• There are many types of OCD as some result from specific genetic variations

Question 2

What are the neural explanations of OCD?

Answer 2

• People with OCD are thought to have low levels of serotonin which regulates mood leading to hormonal imbalances
• People with OCD are seen to have impaired descison making due to abnormal functionings of the frontal lobe. They also have an abnormal functioning of the parahippocampal gyrus which processes unpleasant emotions

Question 3

Evaluate genetic explanations

Answer 3

S =There is evidence from twin studies. Gerald 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
L = there are environmental risk factors such as traumatic events and unhealthy upbringings that highly contribute to OCD

Question 4

Evaluate neural explanations

Answer 4

S = antidepressants have been seen to improve OCD symptoms as they increase serotonin levels showing that serotonin is linked to OCD
L = the serotonin - OCD link may not be unique to OCD as many people with OCD experience depression showing that the disrupted serotonin activity may be due to depression and not OCD