Neural Explanation Of OCD AO3

Question 1

✅ What evidence supports the role of serotonin in OCD?

Answer 1

Zohar et al. (1987) found that SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels, significantly reduced OCD symptoms compared to a placebo. This suggests that low serotonin levels may be a factor in the development of OCD.

Question 2

✅ How does Hu (2006) provide support for the serotonin explanation of OCD?

Answer 2

Hu (2006) compared serotonin levels between 169 OCD sufferers and 253 non-sufferers, finding that serotonin levels were lower in the OCD group. This strengthens the idea that serotonin dysfunction is associated with OCD.

Question 3

❌ Why might the serotonin-OCD link actually be due to comorbidity with depression?

Answer 3

Many individuals with OCD also suffer from depression, a condition linked to serotonin disruption. This means the serotonin dysfunction observed in OCD may be a result of depression, not a direct cause of OCD.

Question 4

❌ Why is it problematic that no single brain system has been consistently linked to OCD?

Answer 4

Although neural systems such as those involved in decision-making are implicated in OCD, different studies have identified varying brain areas associated with the disorder. This inconsistency means that it is unclear which neural mechanisms are directly involved in OCD.