biological approach- OCD

Question 1

Genetic, biological approach for OCD

Answer 1

• family history- Researcher found 37% of parents with OCD, 21% had siblings with OCD
• Diathesis stress, people gain vulnerability towards OCD through genes but an environmental stress is required such as bereavement
• Polygenic, not caused by one gene but a few
• 1. COMT GENE, Causes low level of enzyme which means high levels of dopamine=OCD
• 2. SERT GENE, if gene creates too much protein serotonin levels decrease= OCD

Question 2

neural (brain), biological approach to OCD

Answer 2

• Low serotonin, abnormal transmission of mood relevant info and perhaps other mental processes are affected
• Basal ganglia-Hypersensitivity gives a rise to repetitive motor behaviour seen in OCD such as repetitive washing
• Left parahippocampal gyrus- Associated with processing unpleasant emotions which forms abnormally in OCD

Question 3

Strength of the biological approach to explaining OCD genetic

Answer 3

-Researcher conducted a meta analysis of twin studies and found a concordance rate of 68% for MZ twins with OCD as opposed to 31% for DZ twins

Question 4

Two limitations of the biological approach explaining OCD genetic

Answer 4

• Identical twins can experience identity confusion, they share the same DNA but also share the same environment which causes identity confusion as they are treated the same within the environment so it is difficult to know if both twins having OCD is due to genes or environment
• Genetic explanation can be reductionist, this explains OCD by being caused by genes alone which ignores all other variables, diathesis stress model shows the environment can trigger OCD

Question 5

Strength of using the biological approach to explain OCD neural

Answer 5

Drugs that are used to treat OCD work by increasing serotonin levels, this supports the biological explanation as it explains low levels of serotonin is linked to OCD

Question 6

Two limitations of using the biological approach to explain OCD neural

Answer 6

• No piece of research has consistently shown one area always involved in OCD for many different ones across different people, so there is little predictive value who will get OCD
• The cause and effect cannot be established with this explanation , psychologist cannot be certain if the brain causes OCD or having OCD affects the brain and how it works