Biological Approach To Explaining OCD

Question 1

What is the genetic explanation?

Answer 1

• OCD is polygenic
—> Multiple genes involved

COMT gene regulates dopamine
—> High dopamine causes OCD

SERT gene linked to serotonin
—> low serotonin causes OCD

Question 2

What was Nestadt’s family study?

Answer 2

Those who have relatives with OCD more prone to developing it
—> OCD in 12% of those who has
FDR with OCD
—> 3% in those without FDR

Also found that 68% MZ twins shared OCD while only 31% DZ

Question 3

What were the twin studies?

Answer 3

• Monozygotic share 100% of dna; dizugotic 50%

• Gotten sound MZ twins had concordance rate of 87% for OCD
—> DZ twins was 47%

This shows genetics must play a role in developing OCD
—> Not entirely as then it would’ve
been 100% concordance rate

Question 4

What is an issue with the twin studies

Answer 4

• OCD not entirely responsible as then it would’ve been 100% concordance rate

• Assumes the only difference between MZ and DZ towns is genes
—> Likely have different experiences
—> causation difficult to establish

Question 5

What is an alternative explanation for biological approach for explaining ocd?

Answer 5

Cromer found over half of OCD sufferers had a traumatic event in the past