psychopathology

Question 1

one strength of neural explanation of OCD: practical application

Answer 1

practical applications:
p: by identifing and isolating the potential neurotransmitters it is possible to design drugs that can influence the levels of these neurotransmitters.
E: for example SSRIs have been used to increase seratonin levels in OCD with good success rates
E: heightening the seratonin levels lessens the obsessive thoughts.
L: strengthens the claims that OCD has a neural basis and how its been beneficial to individuals suffering with OCD

Question 2

strength of neural explanation of OCD: Research

Answer 2

P: shown strong support for the claim that theres a neural cause of the disorder
E: PET scans taken when OCD patienst are actively experiencing their symptoms have shown higher levels of activity within the OFC area of the brain
L: this highly scientific and emprirical evidence offers strong support for the claims of neuroanatomical differences such as increased and hightened activity in the OFC

Question 3

one problem of neural explanations is research investigating it

Answer 3

P:reserach investigating the neural factors such as disturbances in biochemical levels/neuroanatomical functioning is often done retrospectively after the individual has been diagnosed with OCD.
EE: hard to establish if the neural differences were the cause of OCD or has come about as an effect of OCD.
L: undermines the knowledge and understanding about the causes of OCD.