genetic explanation of OCD

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points that you must know for the genetic explanation of OCD?

Answer 1

-OCD and the Biological Approach
-Candidate Genes
-Polygenic Nature of OCD
-Aetiologically Heterogeneous
-COMT Gene
-Twin Studies Evidence

Question 2

What does the biological approach suggest about the cause of OCD?

Answer 2

That OCD is inherited genetically, passed from parents to offspring through biological mechanisms.

Question 2

What are candidate genes in OCD and what do they influence?

Answer 2

Candidate genes like the SERT gene affect the regulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood.

Question 3

What does it mean that OCD is polygenic?

Answer 3

OCD is influenced by many different genes, with studies suggesting up to 230 may be involved

Question 4

What is meant by aetiological heterogeneity in OCD?

Answer 4

Different combinations of genes may cause different types of OCD in different people (e.g., hoarding vs contamination).

Question 5

What is the COMT gene and how is it linked to OCD?

Answer 5

The COMT gene affects dopamine regulation; a variation linked to higher dopamine levels may increase OCD symptoms.

Question 5

What evidence supports a genetic basis for OCD?

Answer 5

Twin studies (e.g., Nestadt et al.) show higher concordance in MZ twins than DZ twins, supporting a genetic component.