Explaining OCD

• What are the two biological explanations for OCD?

  Genetic explanation and neural explanation
• What does the genetic explanation of OCD suggest?

  OCD is caused by genes increasing vulnerability
• Which gene is mentioned as related to OCD?

  5HT1-D beta gene
• How does the diathesis-stress model relate to OCD?

  Some genes trigger OCD when environmental changes occur
• What does polygenic mean in the context of OCD?

  OCD is caused by multiple genes
• What is the neural explanation of OCD?

  Neurotransmitters in the brain are ineffective
• Which neurotransmitter is specifically mentioned in relation to OCD?

  Serotonin
• What happens if serotonin levels are low?

  It could lead to the development of OCD
• How does serotonin affect mood according to the study material?

  It transfers messages that regulate mood
• What research supports the genetic explanation of OCD?

  • Nastadt found 68% of identical twins shared OCD
  • Drug treatments are based on neural explanations
  • Evidence supports real-world application of these explanations
• How can traumatic events influence OCD?

  They can cause OCD severity to increase
• What does the study suggest about the genetic basis of OCD?

  OCD isn't solely genetic; environmental factors matter
• Why is the link between serotonin and OCD considered not unique?

  Many with OCD have co-morbid disorders
• What is a potential issue with identifying serotonin as the cause of OCD?

  Serotonin may cause other disorders instead