Explanations and treatments for OCD Flashcards
(17 cards)
what is the biological approach
an approach suggesting OCD is caused by biological factors such as genetics, neurochemistry, and brain structure abnormalities
what is genetic explanation
proposes that ocd is inherited though genes that increase vulnerability to the disorder
what are candidate genes
specific genes identified to be involved in the development of ocd such as SERT and COMT
what is polygenic
the ideas that ocd is influenced by many different genes rather than a singular gene
what is the neural explanation
focuses on abnormal brain structures and neurochemical imbalances associated with ocd
what is serotonin
a neurotransmitter believed to regulate mood. low levels are associated with ocd
what is dopamine
another neurotransmitter, increased dopamine activity has also been linked to ocd symptoms
what is the orbital frontal cortex
a region of the frontal lobe involved in decision making and impulse control, often overactive in people with ocd
what is the basal ganglia
a group of brain structures involved In habit formation and motor control. dysfunction here is linked to compulsive behaviours in ocd
what is the thalamus
involved in filtering information, overactivity may contribute to the inability to suppress intrusive thoughts in OCD
what is drug therapy
biological treatment for OCD using medication to alter brain chemistry
what are SSRIs
a type of antidepressant that increases serotonin levels in the brain by preventing its reabsorption
what are tricyclics
an older class of antidepressants also used to treat ocd, usually when ssris are not effective
what are SNRIs
another class of antidepressants sometimes used for ocd, they affect both serotonin and noradrenaline levels
what is combination therapy
using both drug treatment and psychological therapies e.g CBT for better effectiveness
what is cognitive behavioural therapy
a therapy that addresses both the obsessive thoughts (cognitive aspect) and the compulsive behaviours (behavioural aspect)
what is exposure and response prevention
a type of CBT where patients are gradually exposed to their fears (obsessions) and helped to resist the urge to perform compulsions
