OCD- Explaining And Treating(Biological Approach)

• What does OCD stand for?

  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• How is OCD commonly misunderstood by the public?

  People trivialize it by claiming to be "a bit OCD"
• What dominates the mental world of individuals with OCD?

  Repetitive and intrusive thoughts
• What is the consequence of compulsive behaviors in OCD?

  They leave little time for other activities
• What are the main topics covered in the biological approach to OCD?

  • Genetic explanations
  • Neural explanations
  • Drug treatments
  • Evaluations of the approach
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  2 percent
• What are the common obsessions in OCD?

  Fears of dirt, burglary, and fire
• What is the genetic explanation for OCD?

  Vulnerability to OCD is inherited
• What are candidate genes in relation to OCD?

  Genes found more frequently in OCD patients
• Name one candidate gene associated with OCD.

  5-HT1D beta gene
• How many separate genes could be involved in OCD?

  Up to 230 separate genes
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in identical twins?

  68 percent
• What neurotransmitter is most associated with OCD?

  Serotonin
• What happens to serotonin levels in people with OCD?

  They are thought to be low
• What is the role of the cert gene in OCD?

  It is responsible for serotonin transport
• What is the worry circuit in the brain?

  A set of structures overactive in OCD
• What is the function of the parahippocampal gyrus?

  Regulates and processes unpleasant emotions
• What are the evaluations of the biological approach to OCD?

  • High concordance rates suggest genetic origin
  • Environmental factors also play a role
  • Diathesis-stress model may explain development
  • Correlational research limits causal conclusions
• What is the diathesis-stress model in relation to OCD?

  Genetic vulnerability plus environmental stressor
• What did the research by Chroma reveal about OCD?

  54% reported at least one traumatic event
• What is the main type of drug used to treat OCD?

  SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
• What is an example of an SSRI?

  Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Which brain structures are involved in the worry circuit?

  Orbital frontal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus
• How do SSRIs work in the brain?

  They inhibit serotonin reuptake
• What is a disadvantage of drug therapy for OCD?

  Can have a range of potential side effects
• What is a common side effect of SSRIs?

  Nausea
• Why might drug therapy not be preferred by patients?

  Patients may prefer behavioral therapy
• What does the research by Goldacre suggest about drug therapy?

  Research may be biased by pharmaceutical companies
• What is a potential limitation of drug therapy for OCD?

  It may only treat symptoms, not causes
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of drug therapy for OCD?

  Advantages:

  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Convenient for patients

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Potential side effects
  • Delayed symptom relief
  • May not address underlying causes