The Genetic and Biological explanation of OCD Flashcards
What is the biological explanation of OCD?
-OCD i due to physical factors in the body
-It run’s in the family and so is a genetic predisposition
-OCD can therefore be inherited
What is the genetic explanation of OCD?
-OCD is due to the inheritance of 1 or more maldaptive genes -e.g SERT
-OCD is polygenic (combo of genes) which increases the vulnerability of OCD
-There are specific genes called candidate genes which increase the vulnurability of the develpment of OCD
What is the role of SERT genes?
-SERT genes are involved in the transportation of serotonin
-If mutated they reduce serotonin activity levels
-which are associated with high levels of anxiety and symptoms of OCD
What is the Neural explanation of OCD?
-OCD is due to imbalance of neurotransmitter
-low levels of serotonin
-Serotonin is involved with maintaining stable mood
-If the SERT gene is mutated then serotonin is recycled int the pre synaptic neuron
-and cant continue to activate in the post synaptic neuron
-leads to low levels of serotonin which leads to anxiety obsession which is in OCD
What is the neuroanatomical explanation of OCD?
-OCD is associated with faulty decision making in the brain
-Neuroanatomical is the size shape and function of certain areas in the brain
-OCD is also associated with abnormal functioning in the frontal lobe
-this is responsible for logical thinking and decision making in the brain
-linked to OCD
-Evidence suggest that parahippocampus gyrus is associated with unpleasant emotion such as anxiety
-functions abnormally
What are the 3 evaluations?
-reductionist
-Practical application
-Scientific methods
Explain the evaluation of reductionist.
-reduces complex human behaviour down to simple basic units
-genes/neurotransmitter imbalance/neuroanatomical
-e.g lowlevels of seritonin acitivty and faulty parahippocampal gyrus
-neglects holistic approach takes into account social context and culture
-e.g higher prevelance of OCD in religious groups who cleanse before prayer
Explain the evaluation of practical application.
-principle of the theory is that OCD is due to mutation of SERT genes
-or low levels of serotonin
-lead to development of drug treatment
-SSRI increases activity level of serotonin
-reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms
Explain the evaluation of Scientific methods.
-theory is based on factual and empirical techniques
-e.g gene mapping identify genes
-e.g brain scanners identify certain parts in the brain associated with OCD
-such as frontal lobe or parahippocamla gyrus
-increase IV thus raising psychological scientific status
