the neural explanation of OCD Flashcards
high levels of dopamine
levels of dopamine are abnormally high in ocd patients. based on animal studies where high levels of drugs enhance dopamine, leading to stereotyped movements that resemble compulsive behaviours in OCD patients
low levels of serotonin
levels of serotonin are abnormally low in ocd patients. based on antidepressants; those which increase serotonin levels also decrease ocd symptoms but those which dont increase serotonin, dont decrease symptoms
what is the abnormal brain circuits explanation?
our orbitofrontal cortex sends signals of worry to the thalamus, and the caudate nucleus surpresses anythig minor. but in OCD patients, the caudate nucleus is damaged, and so all worries are sent to the thalamus. explains why ocd people have high anxiety over irrational things
how does serotonin affect brain circuits?
serotonin plays a key role in the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus, and so abnormal levels of it could cause these areas to malfunction
how does dopamine affect brain circuits?
it is the most important neurotransmitter in the basal gangia and high levels of it could lead to over activity in this region.
what are 2 strengths of the neural explanation?
RESEARCH SUPPORT
1. support for neural explanation: researchers used PET scans to identify dysfunctional areas in the brain in OCD patients whilst activating their symptoms. when they held a dirty cloth, there was heightened activity in the OFC.
- parkinson’s is a disease characterised by a reduction of dopamine; patients take drug called L-Dopa to increase levels of dopamine. sometimes, patients also develop OCD symptoms which shows that dopamine plays a role in ocd
what are 2 limitations of the neural explanation
HARD TO IDENTIFY CAUSE AND EFFECT
1. as you can only study patients that already have ocd, it is hard to tell whether dysfunctional areas in the brain is the cause of ocd, or an effect of it.
- there i not one conclusive area responsible for the development of OCD: in patients, there are several brain areas that are dysfunctional. explanation is too simplistic and it is hard to treat
