OCD

• What does OCD stand for?

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• What is a key characteristic of OCD?

  Individuals become particular about their lifestyle
• What causes considerable anxiety in OCD?

  The repetitive execution of irrational actions
• How is OCD treated?

  With anti-depressants
• What type of disorder is OCD classified as?

  An anxiety disorder
• What are the three main characteristics of OCD?

  • Behavioral: compulsions are repetitive
  • Emotional: anxiety and distress
  • Cognitive: obsessive thoughts
• How do compulsions affect anxiety in OCD?

  Compulsions reduce anxiety
• What are obsessions in OCD?

  Intrusive and recurring thoughts
• What are compulsions in OCD?

  Repetitive behaviors
• What is genetic vulnerability in relation to OCD?

  It is passed from one generation to another
• What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about OCD?

  Genes increase likelihood, but stress triggers it
• What is the SERT gene associated with?

  Regulating serotonin
• What role does serotonin play in OCD?

  Facilitates message transfer across synapse
• What does the COMT gene regulate?

  The production of dopamine
• What is meant by OCD being polygenic?

  Caused by multiple gene variations
• What does aetiologically heterogeneous mean in the context of OCD?

  Origins of OCD vary between individuals
• What did Steven Taylor find regarding genes and OCD?

  Up to 230 genes may be involved
• What percentage of OCD patients had parents with OCD according to Aubrey Lews?

  37%
• What did Bellodi et al. conclude about genetic factors in OCD?

  They play a role in the disorder
• What did Mckeon and Murray find about OCD patients?

  More likely to have 1st degree relatives with anxiety disorders
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the genetic explanation for OCD?

  Strengths:

  • Evidence of genetic components
  • Importance of twin studies

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Social learning theory may explain behavior
  • Difficulty in identifying all genes involved
• What role do neurotransmitters play in OCD?

  Relay information between neurons
• What happens with low levels of serotonin in OCD?

  Normal mood transmission is disrupted
• Which brain area is involved in decision making in OCD?

  Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
• What functions does the thalamus have in OCD?

  Cleaning, checking, and safety behaviors
• What is the effect of an overactive thalamus in OCD?

  Increases motivation to clean/check
• How does an overactive OFC affect anxiety in OCD?

  Increases anxiety and planning to avoid it
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the neural explanation for OCD?

  Strengths:

  • Research support from antidepressants
  • Links neurotransmitters to OCD

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Serotonin link may not be unique to OCD
  • Assumptions about neural mechanisms
• What is the purpose of drug therapy for OCD?

  To adjust neurotransmitter levels
• What does SSRI stand for?

  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
• How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels?

  They block reuptake, increasing availability
• What is the typical dosage of SSRIs for patients?

  20mg
• How long does it typically take for SSRIs to show effects?

  3-4 months
• How are drugs often used in conjunction with CBT?

  To overcome anxiety and depression
• What happens if an SSRI is ineffective after 3-4 months?

  Alternative antidepressants may be prescribed
• What are tricyclics in relation to SSRIs?

  Have similar effects but more side effects
• What do SNRIs do in treating OCD?

  Increase serotonin and noradrenaline
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  Strengths:

  • Significant improvement in symptoms
  • Cost-effective and easy to take

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like sexual dysfunction
  • Risk of over-dependence on drugs
• What happens to serotonin after it carries a message?

  It is usually reabsorbed by nerve cells
• What do SSRIs do to serotonin reuptake?

  They block the reuptake of serotonin