Neural explanation

• Neural Explanation

  1. Role of neurotransmitters
  2. Decision making systems
  3. The worry circuit
• Role of neurotransmitters

  • serotonin (mood - obsessions), dopamine (motivation - compulsions)
  • low serotonin means normal transmission of mood doesn't happen
• Decision making systems

  • some OCD is linked to impaired decision making associated with abnormal functioning of frontal lobe (logical thinking and decisions)
• The Worry circuit

  • Orbitofrontal cortex sends 'worry signals' to thalamus
  • Caudate nucleus inhibits the signals (which are sent back if they get through)
  • CN underactivity and/or OFC overactivity leads to OCD
• (N) + Some supporting evidence

  • evidence supports the role of neural mechanisms in OCD e.g. some anti-depressants (serotonin) work so they must be treating the cause of OCD
• (N) - Drugs are not 100% effective

  • which suggests other factors must be involved meaning the neural explanation is only a partial one
• (N) - We shouldn't assume the neural mechanisms cause OCD

  • there is evidence that various neurotransmitters and brain structure dont function normally with OCD, but the abnormalities may be a result of the illness not necessarily the cause