Neural explanations

• Neural explanations of OCD suggest that abnormal levels of neurotransmitters and certain regions of the brain are implicated in OCD
• Neural explanations - Neurotransmitters:

  Serotonin

  Dopamine
• Serotonin in OCD - Serotonin regulates mood and lower levels of serotonin are associated with mood disorders, such as depression. Lower levels of serotonin may be involved in OCD. Evidence for this comes from Piggott who found that drugs that increase the level of serotonin in the synaptic gap are effective in treating patents with OCD
• Dopamine in OCD - higher levels of dopamine have been associated with some of the symptoms of OCD, like the compulsive behaviours
• Neural explanations - Brain structure:

  Basal ganglia

  Orbitofrontal cortex
• Basal ganglia in OCD - This is a cluster of neutrons at the base of the forebrain, involved in multiple processes, for example the coordination of movement. Patients that suffer head injuries in this region often develop OCD -like symptoms
• Orbitofrontal cortex in OCD - This converts sensory information into thoughts and actions. PET scans have found higher activity in the orbifrontal cortex in OCD patients when for example the patient is asked to hold a dirty item with a potential germ hazard. One suggestion is that this results in compulsions
• AO3. There is an issue with understanding neural mechanisms involved in OCD. While there is evidence suggesting that certain neural systems do not function normally in patents suffering from OCD, such as the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex, research has also identified other areas of the brain that are occasionally involved as well. This means that no brain system has consistently been found to play a role in OCD, meaning we cannot conclude a cause and effect relationship.
• AO3. There are other credible explanations for the development OCD. For example, the two process model proposed by behaviourists may be involved. Initial learning of the feared stimulus could occur through classical conditioning's processes. This behaviour pattern would be maintained through operant conditioning and negative reinforcement where the stimulus is avoided and the anxiety is removed. This could result in an obsession, and the development of a compulsion. Albucher found that using behaviourist treatments for OCD improved symptoms got 60 - 90 % of adults.