Treating OCD Flashcards
How does the biological approach explain OCD
the biological approach sees abnormal conditions as being similar to physical illnesses and caused by abnormal biological processes
- OCD seems to be a polygenic condition-genes are involved in its development
- psychological disorders are physical illnesses with physical causes
- 2 explanations-genetics, neural explanation
What studies are used to support the biological approach to OCD
twin and family studies
How do genetics explain the OCD
- OCD is inherited through genetic transmissions
- Lewis (1935) observed findings showed of his OCD patients. 37% had parents had OCD, 21% had siblings with OCD. Shows that OCD runs in families
- Taylor (2013)-found evidence that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD
Explain the COMT gene
- gene that regulates the function of dopamine
- gene is also mutated in individuals with OCD
- the mutated variation of the COMT gene found in OCD individuals causes a decrease in the COMT activity and therefore a higher level of dopamine
Explain the SERT gene
- the SERT gene appears to be mutated in individuals with OCD
- the mutation causes an increase in transporter proteins at a neuron’s membrane. This leads to an increase in the reuptake of serotonin into the neuron which decreases the level of serotonin in the synapse
Evaluate genetics for explaining OCD-against
- The higher concordance rate found for identical twins may be due to nurture as identical twins are likely to experience a more similar environment as they are treated the same
- Concordance rates are not 100%, which shows that OCD is due to an interaction of genetic and other factors
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex
- the prefrontal cortex (PFC), is involved in decision making and the regulation of primitive aspects of our behavior
- an over active PFC, causing an exaggerated control of primal impulses
How does serotonin link to OCD
Serotonin is the chemical thought to be involved in regulating mood. OCD patients have low levels in serotonin-which may cause OCD
How does dopamine link to OCD
Dompamine is abnormally high in individuals with OCD. High levels of dopamine have been thought to influence concentration. This may explain why OCD individuals experience an inability to stop focussingon obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviours
How does the role of structures with the brain link with OCD-abnormal brain circuits
- several areas in the frontal lobe of the brain are thought to be anormal in people with OCD
- when the calidate nucleus is damaged, it fails to suppress minor ‘worry’ signals and the thalamus is alerted, which in turn sends signals back to the OFC
- pet scans show that higher activity in the OFC is in patients with OCD
How does the Diathesis stress model explain OCD
- unlikely that one gene is responsible for development of OCD
- genes produced a vulnerability
- genes work together with the environment
Evaluation of biological approach-supporting for genes
- evidence suggests that people are vulnerable to OCD as a result of their genetic make up
- Nestadt et al (2010) found 68% of identical twins shared OCD
Evaluation of biological approach-supporting for diathesis stress model
- there is research support for the impact of enviornmental factors that can act as a trigger or increase the risk of developing OCD
- Cromer et al (2007)-over half of ODC patients had a traumatic event in the past-OCD was more than one trauma
Evaluation of biological approach-issues of causation
- there are issues with understanding neural mechanisms involved in OCD
- research has identified other areas of the brain are ocassionaly involved
- no brain system has consciously been involved to play a role in ODC
- no cause and effect relationship as it is difficult to ascertain whether the biological abnormalities are a cause of OCD or a result of the disorder
How does drug therapy work
Increase serotonin in the brain using selective serotonin reputake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What are SSRIs and how do they work
- these are a type of anti depressant drug that increase the avilability of serotonin
- they prevent the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft which means there is more serotonin available to the next neuron
How is psychosurgery a treatment for OCD
- involves destorying brain tissue to disrupt the corico-striatal circuit by the use of radio frequency waves
- however small success rates and side effects which can’t be undone
- only used when other treatment doesn’t work
Evaluation of biological treatments-advantages
- Soomro et al. (2008) conducted a review of the research examining the effectiveness of SSRIs. SSRIs were more effective than placebos in the treatment of OCD, in 17 different trials
- biological treatments for OCD comes from research support which uses randomised drug trials. These trials compare the effectiveness of SSRIs and placebos
Evaluation of biological treatments-disadvantages
- side effects of drugs like SSRIs and BZs. Some patients experience mild side effects like indigestion
- up to 50% of OCD patients don’t experience any improvements from their symptoms
-SSRIs take weeks before an improvement
