4.6.1.2 Evaluation of Genetic Explanations

• Which specific genes have been identified as associated with OCD?

  COMT and SERT
• What do genetic explanations for OCD provide?

  Valuable insights
• How do genes and environment interact in relation to OCD?

  Genetic risk combined with environmental stress increases likelihood
• What is a limitation of identifying specific genes for OCD?

  It doesn't fully predict who will develop OCD
• What contributes to the complexity of OCD?

  Combination of multiple genes and environmental factors
• Why is the genetic link significant in explaining OCD development?

  It shows a biological basis for the disorder
• What do family and twin studies suggest about OCD?

  Higher risk among relatives indicates a genetic link
• What role do the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia play in OCD?

  Involved in decision-making and motor control
• How do the identified genes affect OCD?

  They affect neurotransmitter levels
• What are the two main types of alternatives to explain OCD?

  Biological and psychological alternatives
• How do neurotransmitters relate to OCD?

  They regulate mood and repetitive behaviors
• What are the key points challenging purely genetic explanations for OCD?

  • Twin and family studies suggest a genetic component.
  • Concordance rates show identical twins may not share diagnoses.
  • Environmental factors like trauma and stress impact OCD.
  • Gene-environment interaction plays a role in triggering OCD.
• What neurotransmitter imbalances are linked to OCD?

  Serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate
• What is a notable strength of genetic explanations for OCD?

  Consistency across studies
• Which brain regions are associated with OCD?

  Orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia
• How can environmental stress trigger OCD symptoms?

  Stressful life events can initiate symptoms
• What are some issues faced by twin studies?

  Representativeness and generalizability
• What is a potential problem with family studies?

  Selection bias in participant recruitment
• What do twin studies compare?

  Identical twins and fraternal twins
• How do environmental factors influence OCD development?

  Trauma and stress can significantly impact it.
• What do family studies examine in relation to OCD?

  Familial patterns of OCD
• What insights do twin and family studies provide regarding OCD?

  • Genetic underpinnings of OCD
  • Role of shared genes in OCD
  • Heritability of OCD
  • Need for careful interpretation of results
• What do genetic explanations help us understand about OCD traits?

  How they are passed down through generations
• What are the biological alternatives to explain OCD?

  • Neurotransmitter imbalances
  • Brain structure abnormalities
• How do biological and psychological factors interact in OCD?

  • OCD is influenced by both biological and psychological factors
  • It is a complex disorder beyond genetic predispositions
• What role does the environment play in OCD?

  It can trigger or worsen OCD
• What do family studies indicate about OCD?

  Higher risk in individuals with family history
• What does gene-environment interaction suggest about OCD?

  Genes and environment interact to trigger OCD.
• How might genetic discrimination affect employment opportunities?

  It could lead to unfair job exclusions
• Why is it vital to address ethical issues in genetic research for OCD?

  To ensure fair and responsible use of research
• What advantage do family studies have over twin studies?

  Larger sample sizes
• What impact does childhood trauma have on OCD?

  It increases the risk of developing OCD
• What are the psychological alternatives to explain OCD?

  • Cognitive-behavioral factors
  • Early trauma
  • Environmental stress
• What ethical concern arises from discovering genes linked to OCD?

  Stigmatization of individuals with those genes
• What is a crucial aspect of protecting individuals in genetic research?

  Maintaining the privacy of genetic information
• How do COMT gene variations affect OCD?

  They influence stress hormone effects on the brain
• What do twin and family studies suggest about OCD?

  They suggest a genetic component to OCD.
• How do cognitive-behavioral factors contribute to OCD?

  They exacerbate symptoms through negative thought patterns
• What is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies for OCD?

  Understanding Gene-Environment Interaction
• How might an employer misuse genetic information about OCD?

  Assuming a candidate is unfit for a job