Approaches to explaining and treating - OCD Flashcards
(20 cards)
What approach is used to explain/treat OCD
The biological approach
physical processes in the body - genetic inheritance/neural function
What are the genetic explanations
Candidate genes
OCD = Polygenic
Different types of OCD
What are candidate genes
Genes that create vulnerability for OCD.
Involved in regulating development of the Serotonin system
How is OCD Polygenic
OCD is not caused by one single gene.
Caused by a combination of genetic variations - increase v
Taylor - 2013:
Up to 230 genes may be involved
Genes associated with action of dopamine/serotonin
2 neurotransmitters that have a role in regulating mood
What are the different types of OCD
One group of genes cause OCD but another group in a diff person.
Origins (Aetiology) of OCD vary by people (Heterogeneous)
Evaluation of genetic explanation - Strength
Research support
Twin studies - 68% of MZ shared OCD but only 31% of DZ twins did.
Family studies - If family member diagnosed with OCD 4x more likely to develop it.
Evaluation of genetic explanation - limitation
Environmental risk factors
Not just genetic
Environmental risk factors can also increase chances.
Cromer (2007) - over half OCD clients had experienced a traumatic event.
Those with more severe trauma had more severe OCD
What are the neural explanations?
The role of serotonin
Decision-making systems
What is the role of Serotonin ?
Helps to regulate mood
Neurotransmitters relay information from one neuron to another
If levels are low then transmission of mood-relevant info does not take place.
so they may experience low mood
OCD - Explained by a reduction in the functioning of the serotonin system in the brain
What are decision making systems ?
Impaired decision making - Hoarding disorder
Abnormal functioning of the lateral (side bits) of the frontal lobes of the brain.
The frontal lobes are responsible for logical thinking/decision making
Evaluation- Strength
Research support
Antidepressants that work purley on serotonin are effective in reducing OCD symptoms.
Suggests - Serotonin may be involved with OCD
Evaluation - Negative
No unique neural system
Hint - Serotonin may not be relevant to OCD symptoms
Serotonin-OCD link may not be unique to OCD.
Many people with OCD also experience clinical depression. (Comorbidity)
Serotonin could be disrupted in many people with OCD because they are depressed as well.
What is the biological approach to treating OCD
Drug therapy
Increases/decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain/their activity
SSRI’S
Combining SRRI’s with other Treatments
Alternatives to SSRI’s
What are SSRI’s ?
Type of antidepressant
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
How do SSRI’s work ?
Work on the serotonin system in the brain.
They blocking (inhibiting) reuptake meaning more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells.
Increased communication between cells can improve mood/calm symptoms.
How does combining SSRI’s with other treatments help?
Drugs paired with CBT to treat OCD
Drugs will reduce a person’s emotional symptoms (anxious/depressed)
They can then engage more effectively with the CBT.
What are the alternatives to SSRI’s ?
People respond differently to different drugs.
If SSRI not effective after 3-4 months others will be tried.
Tricyclics - (Clomipramine) Also acts on the serotonin system having same effects but more severe side effects so is only used if SSRI’s do not work first.
Evaluation - Positive - Cost effective/non-disruptive
Cheaper/quicker to make than psychological treatments.
Good for public health systems that have limited funds.
Can take the drugs until things calm down with therapy it can disrupt your day to go to the sessions.
Evaluation - Negative - serious side effects
Hint - reduced quality of life
Some dont benefit from the drugs.
Side effects - blurred vision - loss of sex drive - indigestion
Can be distressing and in some cases long lasting.
Issue for alternatives - Clomipramine has more common/serious side effects including weight gain and 1 in 100 become aggressive/heart issues.
Evaluation - Negative - Bias evidence
Researchers are sponsored by drug companies so may selectively publish positive outcomes for the drugs their sponsors are selling.
