OCD - Explaining and Treating (biological approach)

• 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