OCD

• What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  Obsessive thoughts and awareness of irrational thoughts
• What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

  Intense anxiety and fear from irrational thoughts
• What are the behavioral characteristics of OCD?

  Compulsive behaviors and avoidance of triggers
• How do genetics contribute to the development of OCD?

  More shared genes increase likelihood of OCD
• What does it mean that OCD is polygenic?

  Multiple genes are involved in its development
• What are candidate genes in relation to OCD?

  Genes that increase vulnerability to OCD
• How do low serotonin levels affect OCD?

  They disrupt mood regulation and cognition
• What is the effect of high dopamine levels in OCD patients?

  Increased concentration on obsessive thoughts
• What role does the thalamus play in OCD?

  Controls safety behaviors like cleaning
• What happens if the orbital frontal cortex is overactive?

  Increased anxiety and planning to avoid it
• What did Nestad's research find about MZ and DZ twins?

  MZ twins have higher concordance for OCD
• What does Taylor's research suggest about candidate genes in OCD?

  Too many genes complicate understanding OCD
• What did Hu's research indicate about serotonin levels in OCD?

  Lower serotonin levels are linked to OCD
• Why is the link between serotonin and OCD considered weak?

  Only correlation, not causation, is established
• What is the aim of drug therapy for OCD?

  To return neurotransmitters to normal levels
• How do SSRIs work in treating OCD?

  They block serotonin reuptake to increase levels
• What are alternative drugs to SSRIs for OCD treatment?

  Tricyclics and SNRIs
• Why is drug therapy considered cost-effective?

  It requires less time than CBT sessions
• What did Simpson's research reveal about drug therapy effectiveness?

  Higher relapse rates compared to CBT patients
• What are some side effects of drug therapy for OCD?

  Weight gain and memory loss
• How do side effects impact the choice of OCD treatment?

  Patients may avoid drug therapy due to side effects