Psychopathology- OCD, symptoms and treating Flashcards
What are the 3 behavioural characteristics of OCD ?
- Compulsions are repetitive
- Avoidance
- Compulsions reduce anxiety
What are the 3 emotional characteristics of OCD ?
- Anxiety and distress
- Depression
- Guilt and disgust
What are the 3 cognitive characteristics of OCD ?
- Obsessive thoughts
- Cognitive coping strategies
- Insight into excessive anxiety
What type of condition is OCD and what evidence supports this ?
OCD is a polygenic condition and Taylor found that there are over 230 genes linked to the condition
What two specific genes have been linked to OCD ?
COMT gene
SERT gene
What does the COMT gene regulate ?
The COMT gene is responsible for dopamine regulation and a variation of this gene linked to OCD results in higher levels of dopamine in patients with it
What does the SERT gene regulate ?
The SERT gene is responsible for serotonin regulation and a variation of this gene linked to OCD results in lower levels of serotonin in people with it
How does the diathesis stress model support the development of OCD ?
As the diathesis is our genetic vulnerability and the stress is our external pressures/ trigger. OCD is not just caused by one and is a combination of the both
What is the job of serotonin ?
Regulates mood
What has dopamine been linked to in OCD ?
Compulsions and compulsive behaviours
What part of the brain is linked to compulsion and why ?
Orbitofrontal cortex (frontal lobe) as it plays a significant role in emotions and relays worrying information and converts it into actions
How did Nestadt et al’s study provide evidence for genetic influences on OCD ?
Reviewed previous twin studies and found that 68% of identical twins shared OCD as opposed to 31% of non identical twins
How do SSRIs work and why are they effective ?
They aim to increase levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse therefore increasing levels of it
What are benzodiazepines and how do they work ?
Anti anxiety medication that increases the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA (stress inhibitor). They bind to receptor sites and enhances effect of GABA by increasing Cl- and making neutron negatively charged so less likely to fire
What is a limitation of using SSRIs ?
Many of them have side effects such as indigestion and blurred vision and do not work for everyone.
