OCD Flashcards
Behavioural characteristics
Compulsions/repititve behaviour - repetitive actions that could hinder person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. They reduce the anxiety created by obessions.
Avoidance - attempt to reduce their anxiety by avoiding situations that may trigger it
Emotional characteristics
Disgust/self loathing - feelings of disgust may be directed at source of obsession (germs) or towards the self
High anxiety/low mood- obessions + compulsions source of anxiety +distress
Aware their compulsive behaviours are excessive = shame and embarrassment, aware they cannot control them= distress
Genetic explanations
Suggest OCD is an inherited condition +a vulnerability to developing it is passed on
Polygenic - one single even not responsible for it
Diff combos may cause in diff ppl , diff combo of genes = diff type
COMT gene may have role in causing
Candidate genes
The as many as 230 genes that may be responsible for causing OCD
COMT gene
Regulates production of DOPAMINE
One variation of gene results in HIGHER levels of dopamine , variation more common in OCD patients than normal
SERT gene
Affects transportation of serotonin , causing lower levels
Low levels linked to OCD + depression
+ of genetic explanations
Animals studies have found that there is a genetic basis for repetitive ritualistic behaviour in animals , Ahmari found common gene in mice who display ritualistic behaviour
Nestadt et al found that concordance rates for OCD between monzygotic twins 68% , dizygotic 32%
- of genetic explanations
Half of all cases OCD follow trauma , undermining genetic explanation
-can’t account for cases of OCD in families where no previous history
Neural explanations
Dopamine + serotonin - neurotransmitters that affect mood
-have HIGH level of dopamine , linked to hyperactivity in BASAL GANGLIA , causing repetitive motor functions (compulsions)
Serotonin key role in operating CAUDATE NUCLEUS in basal ganglia , low level of serotonin = caudate nucleus malfunction = OBESSIONS
+ for neural explanations
Antidepressants increase serotonin levels, has led to reduction in OCD symptoms , suggest that low level of serotonin could be cause of OCD
- of neural explanations
Dopamine + serotonin may not cause OCD, low level of serotonin + high of dopamine may be SYMPTOM of OCD
Drug therapy for OCD
Biological approach uses drug therapy to correct imbalance of neurochemicals in order to reduce symptoms
Selective Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors
Anti depressants eg Prozac fluoxetine
Serotonin released by PREsynaptic neurons + travels across synaptic cleft , chemically conveys the signal from the presynaptic neuron to postsynaptic + REABSORBED by presynaptic where it broken down + reused
SSRIs prevent reabsorption + breakdown of serotonin , INCREASE the level in synapse where it continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron , reducing anxiety
Takes 3-4 months of use for impact
+ of SSRIs
70% experienced decline in OCD symptoms taking SSRIs
-Soomro reviewed 17 studies + found that SSRI drugs more effective then placebos, esp when combined with CBT
- for SSRIs
Severe side effects temporary = indigestion, blurred vision + loss of sex drive , OCD patient might stop taking meds
Benzodiazepines
Eg Valium + Diazepam anti anxiety drugs
Slow down activity of CNS by ENHANCING activity of neurotransmitter GABA , which has an inhibitory effect on neurons
GABA
Inhibitory effect on neurons
-does this by reacting with GABA receptors on outside of neurons
When GABA locks into these receptors , opens a channel that increases flow of CHLORIDE ions into neuron
Chloride ions make it harder for neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters, slowing down neural activity , person more relaxed
+ of Benzodiazepines
Reduce anxiety levels + OCD symptoms in short period, immediate relief compared to other things like CBT
- for benzodiazepines
Used long term serves, unwanted side effects can appear , drownisness depression + unpredictable interactions with alcohol
Ashton found that long term users became very DEPENDENT + sudden withdrawal leads to high anxiety + OCD
problem of TOLERANCE , need to take larger + larger doses of drug in order to reduce their OCD symptoms , body gets used to drug
Cognitive characteristics of Aocd
Obessions / irrational beliefs - persistent, intrusive , irrational thoughts perceived as inappropriate/ forbidden , may be frightening/ embarrassing not wanna share them with others
Eg doubts , impulses
Obessions are not worries about everyday problems , are uncontrollable + cause anxiety , include CATASTROPHIC thinking , think smth bad will happen if don’t carry out compulsions
Hypervigilance/Selective attention - increased awareness of source of obession in new situations eg germs
Awareness that behaviour is irrational - understand their compulsive behaviours + obsessive thoughts are inappropriate + irrational , cannot consciously control or stop them
