OCD: explaining and treating

• What is OCD often misunderstood as?

  A mental health condition
• Why do people misuse the term "OCD"?

  It minimizes the suffering of those affected
• What dominates the internal mental world of some with OCD?

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

  They provide temporary relief from anxiety
• What will be discussed in the video regarding OCD?

  The biological approach to explaining and treating OCD
• What are candidate genes in relation to OCD?

  Genes found more frequently in OCD patients
• How many separate genes could be involved in OCD development?

  Up to 230 separate genes
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  2 percent
• What is the concordance rate for first-degree relatives of OCD patients?

  10 percent
• What is the concordance rate for identical twins with OCD?

  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 relation to OCD?

  An overactive communication circuit in the brain
• Which brain structures are involved in the worry circuit?

  Orbital frontal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus
• What is the function of the parahippocampal gyrus?

  Regulating and processing unpleasant emotions
• What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about OCD?

  Genetic vulnerability plus environmental stressors
• What percentage of participants with OCD reported a traumatic life event?

  54 percent
• What is a limitation of neural imaging studies in OCD?

  They are correlational, not causal
• What is the main type of drug used to treat OCD?

  SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• How do SSRIs work in the brain?

  They inhibit serotonin reuptake
• What is a common side effect of SSRIs?

  Nausea
• What is a disadvantage of drug therapy for OCD?

  Potential for dependency on medication
• What does the research by Goldacre suggest about drug therapy studies?

  They may be biased due to funding
• Why might psychological therapy be preferred over drug therapy?

  It addresses the root causes of OCD
• What are the biological explanations for OCD?

  • Genetic explanations: candidate genes and polygenetic nature
  • Neural explanations: serotonin imbalance and worry circuit
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of drug therapy for OCD?

  Strengths:

  • Effective in reducing symptoms
  • Convenient and inexpensive

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like nausea and insomnia
  • Potential dependency on medication
• What is the role of the worry circuit in OCD?

  • Overactive communication between brain structures
  • Inability to filter out minor worries
  • Leads to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• What are the common obsessions and compulsions in OCD?

  Common obsessions:

  • Contamination fears
  • Burglary worries
  • Fire-related anxieties

  
  

  Common compulsions:

  • Repetitive cleaning
  • Checking locks
  • Checking power switches