Biological Approach Explaining OCD

Question 1

Genetic explanations

Answer 1

Would say that OCD is inherited through genetic transmission. The approach says that an individual inherits a specific gene that relates to the onset of OCD and impacts the levels of neurotransmitters

Question 2

Implications of dopamine

Answer 2

Dopamine has been implicated in the onset of OCD through research evidence
The particular COMT gene which regulates dopamine has therefore been linked to the condition
A lower activity results in higher levels of dopamine

Question 3

The SERT gene

Answer 3

Affects the transport of serotonin creating lower levels of the neurotransmitter

Question 4

Implication of serotonin

Answer 4

SSRIs (anti depressant that increases levels of serotonin) relieve symptoms of OCD
PET scans have shown low levels of serotonin activity in the brains of OCD patients

Question 5

Grootheest et al

Answer 5

Meta analysis (2005)
Researched concordance rate of OCD between MZ twins
Analysis found that there was an average 45-65% concordance rate
Suggests that the genetic similarity of MZ twins relates to the onset of OCD and that there is validity to the suggestion that genetics plays a part in OCD
However not 100%

Question 6

Neural explanations

Answer 6

Lead on from genetic explanations and suggest that abnormal levels of neurotransmitters lead to the development of OCD; predominantly dopamine and serotonin

Question 7

Disthesis stress model

Answer 7

Suggests that the reason why not everyone that has the COMT or SERT gene develops OCD is because it is developed as a result of a genetic predisposition

Question 8

Role of serotonin research

Answer 8

By Hu (2006)
Serotonin levels much lower in those with OCD
Supports the biological explanation that low levels of serotonin may be implicated in OCD

Question 9

Lack of

Answer 9

Cause and effect

Undecided whether neuro abnormalities such as lack of serotonin are a cause or an effect

Question 10

Main explanations

Answer 10

• Biological approach assumes that, similar to physical illness, abnormal condition are as a result of abnormal biological processes
• Two main explanations of OCD through this approach are genetic explanations and neurological

Question 11

Worry circuit

Answer 11

Caudal nucleus normally suppresses worry signals from OFC to thalamus
Damage to nucleus results in over activity of worry circuit
Dopamine levels implicated