Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD)

Question 1

Define OCD

Answer 1

Characterised by obsessions (recurring thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviours).

Question 2

What are behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

COMPULSIONS- repetitive and reduce anxiety

AVOIDANCE- avoid situations that trigger OCD to reduce anxiety.

Question 3

What are emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

ANXIETY AND DISTRESS
DEPRESSION
GUILT AND DISGUST

Question 4

What are cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 4

OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS- recurring unpleasant thoughts.
COGNITIVE STRATEGIES- to deal with obsessions, may appear abnormal but reduce anxiety.
INSIGHT INTO EXCESSIVE ANXIETY- awareness that thoughts/behaviour is irrational.

Question 5

Biological approach to explaining OCD: Genetic explanations (Lewis 1963)

Answer 5

Lewis (1963) observed 37% patients with OCD had parents with OCD, 21% had siblings with OCD.
Stress-diathesis model- genes create vulnerability, but environmental stress triggers condition.

Question 6

Biological approach to explaining OCD: Genetic explanations (candidate genes)

Answer 6

Candidate genes create vulnerability for OCD, involved in regulating serotonin levels e.g. 5HT-1-D in efficiency of transport of serotonin across synapses.

Question 7

Biological approach to explaining OCD: Genetic explanations (polygenic)

Answer 7

OCD is polygenic, meaning several genes are involved.

Taylor (2013) suggested up to 230 genes involved, especially associated with dopamine and serotonin.

Question 8

Biological approach to explaining OCD: Genetic explanations (Aetiologically heterogenous)

Answer 8

Origins have different causes. One group of genes may cause OCD in one person, a different gene group may cause OCD in another.

Question 9

Biological approach to explaining OCD: Neural explanations (role of serotonin)

Answer 9

Low levels of serotonin reduces normal transmission of mood-relevant information, possibly causing OCD.

Question 10

Biological approach to explaining OCD: Neural explanations (impaired decision-making)

Answer 10

Abnormal functioning of lateral frontal lobes of brain leads to impaired decision-making, causing OCD.
When left parahippocampal gyrus, associated with processing unpleasant emotions, functions abnormally, causing OCD.