psychopathology: ocd Flashcards
Outline 2 behavioural Characteristics of OCD
compulsions
avoidance
Outline 2 emotional Characteristics of OCD
anxiety + distress
co-morbid depression
Outline 2 cognitive characteristics of OCD
obsessive thoughts
hyper-vigilance
What is the Concordance rate of OCD between MZ and DZ twins?
MZ= 68%
DZ= 31%
How does the comparison of concordance rates support the genetic explanation? A03
high concordance rates show evidence that OCD can be genetically predisposed to those related, especially twins
What is the evidence between other family members?
parents also with OCD= 37&
siblings also with OCD= 21%
How does the evidence between family members support the genetic explanation? A03
shows that even if not twins, likelihood of also getting OCD through a genetic predisposition is still possible- still a genetic link
What is an alternative explanation as to why OCD runs in families? A03
the diathesis stress model- genes increase the likelihood of OCD however there still has to be an environmental trigger
Name 2 neurotransmitters linked to OCD, and whether activity is increased or decreased in OCD
serotonin levels - low levels mean transmission of mood regulated information doesn’t happen, resulting in low moods and anxiety, (activity decreased)
excess dopamine- too much information being passed from neuron to neuron leading to compulsive behaviours (increased activity)
What evidence is there to support the brain chemical explanation? (hint: effectiveness of drug treatments - Soomro et al) A03
Soomro et al found that medications targeting serotonin, like SSRIs, were effective in reducing OCD symptoms when compared to placebo. This suggests that serotonin plays a role in OCD, supporting the idea that brain chemicals are involved in the disorder.
Name 2 different areas of the brain linked to OCD
orbito-frontal cortex
basal ganglia
What symptoms of OCD are the areas of the brain linked to?
orbito-frontal cortex = low mood, poor mood regulation
basal ganglia = compulsive behaviours
Why can’t we say changes in these brain regions cause OCD? A03
because there may be other variables such as genetics, also causing OCD
Describe how SSRIs work and how they reduce symptoms of OCD
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, they prevent re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin which increases the levels of serotonin in the synapse
Explain research to support the effectiveness of SSRIs e.g Soomro et al. A03
Soomro et al. conducted a study where they looked at how well medications called SSRIs work for OCD. They gathered data from different studies and found that SSRIs are more effective at reducing OCD symptoms compared to placebo pills. This research suggests that SSRIs, which affect serotonin levels in the brain, are helpful in treating OCD. This supports the idea that serotonin plays a role in OCD.
