Psychopathology: Bio approach to OCD Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the genetic explanation for OCD?
OCD is biological in nature
What did Lewis find?
Most OCD patients he observed had family members with OCD as well
What does GENETIC EXPLANATIONS suggest about the cause of OCD?
OCD runs in families due to genetic vulnerability
What is the result of different genetic variations in relation to OCD?
Different types and causes of OCD
1 strength of genetic explanation?
Good supporting evidence - twin studies
Who did twin studies?
Nestadt et al
What did Nestadt et al find?
More identical twins shared OCD than non-identical twins
1 limitation of genetic explanation?
Other factors of OCD - environmental risk factors
Who provided evidence for environmental risk factors?
Cromer et al
What did Cromer et al find?
Over half of OCD patients he studied had a traumatic event
What is the neural explanation of OCD?
Genes affect levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin) and brain structures
NEURAL EXPLANATIONS
What is the role of serotonin?
Low levels => low mood => OCD
What is 1 strength of neural explanation?
Good supporting evidence - drugs
What provides evidence that serotonin is responsible for OCD?
Serotonin drugs, used to increase levels of serotonin, can reduce OCD symptoms
