OCD - Explaining and Treating (biological approach)

Cards (20)

  • According to the biological approach, what two factors explain OCD?
    Faulty mental processes and inherited genetic factors
  • What does it mean that OCD is polygenic?
    It is influenced by multiple genes
  • What is the function of the SERT gene?
    Affects serotonin reuptake
  • What does the 5HT1-D gene influence?
    Serotonin transport efficiency
  • How do low serotonin levels relate to obsessive thoughts?
    They cause obsessive thoughts due to reuptake issues
  • What area of the brain is linked to impaired decision-making in OCD patients?
    Frontal lobes and parahippocampal gyrus
  • What concordance rate did Nestadt find in identical twins with OCD?
    68%
  • What does the high concordance rate in twins suggest about OCD?
    A genetic influence on OCD
  • What do genetic explanations provide in relation to OCD?
    A biological understanding, linking specific genes to OCD
  • What did Cromer highlight regarding the causes of OCD?
    The role of environmental factors
  • What model does Cromer's research support in relation to OCD?
    Diathesis-stress model
  • Why does the involvement of too many candidate genes weaken the genetic explanation of OCD?
    It weakens predictive value and the specificity
  • How do SSRIs increase serotonin levels?
    By slowing down reuptake
  • What do Benzodiazepines enhance in drug-resistant patients?
    GABA
  • How do Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety?
    By enhancing GABA
  • What advantages does drug therapy have over therapies like CBT?
    It is cost-effective and more convenient
  • What did Soomro's meta-analysis find about SSRIs?
    Significantly reduce OCD symptoms compared to placebos
  • What are some common side effects of drug therapy for OCD?
    Nausea, insomnia, and headaches
  • Why might drug therapy alone not be sufficient for treating OCD?
    OCD may have environmental triggers
  • What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about the development of OCD?
    A genetic predisposition triggered by environmental stressors