biological explanation of OCD - ao3 Flashcards
strength of bio app for ocd - supporting ec for genes
P - ev from variety of sources that ppl are vun to ocd as a result of their genetic makeup
E- one of the best sources of ev for sig of genes is twin studies
E- nestadt et al 2010 reviewed prev twin studies and found that 68% of identical twins shared ocd as opposeed to 31% of non identical twins
L; this suggests a genetic influenece on ocd
counterpoint to research support (hint-correlational)
P: a counterpoint to the research support by nestadt et al is that it is correlation evidence
E: hence we cannot be sure there is a causal link between shared genetics and concoordance rates with OCD.
E: close family members also share similar environments, mz twins may be treated similarly bc they look alike compared to dz.
L: so thus as CR are 68% not 100% (the level we expect for a entirley genetically determined feature), there must be some role of the environment.
limitation of bio ex of ocd - issues of causation in neural mechansims
P- theres an issue w understanding neural mechanimsm involved in ocd
E- While theres evidence which suggests that certain neural systems dont function normally in patients with ocd such as ofc research has also identified other areas of the brain that are occasionally involved as well
E - so therefore there is no brain system which has consistently been found to play a role in ocd
L; so although theres ev that neurotrasnmitters and brain struc are implicated it musnt be concluded that there is a cuase and effect relationship since its diff to be certain whether the biological abnormalities seen are a cuase of ocd or a result of disorder
strength - practical applicationt to treatment
P: one strength of the biological explanation of OCD is the practical application of drug treatment
E: knowledge from the bio ex that mutations in the sert gene (serotonin transporters) leading to ocd can lead to drugs being prescribed to correct the imbalance
E: more specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which has been found to be succesful in reducing ocd symptoms. This also has implications for the economy as improved knowledge of ocd from the bio ex has lead to treatments which sufferers can use to to manage their symptoms and return to work if they had to take time off thus boosting economic productivity.
L: thus showing the value of the bio explanation in helping to improve the lives of OCD sufferers
Ev for role of ofc in ocd
This is supported by PET scans of patients with OCD, taken while their symptoms are active. (eg someone with germ obsession
holds dirty cloth)
Cromer et al (1998) reports serotonin and dopamine are linked to these regions of the brain.
research support for polygenic ocd
taylor 2013 suggets that there are as many as 230 genes associated w ocd after analysing previous studies
these included action of dopamine and serotonin - neurotransmitters believed to have a role in regulating mood
research support for serotonin playing a role in ocd
piggott et al 1990 and jenicke 1992 - antidep that increase serotonin lead to reduction in ocd symptoms whereas antidep that didnt have no effect
