OCD: Explaining and Treating (Biological Approach)

• 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 mental world of someone with OCD?

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

  Temporary relief from anxiety
• What will be discussed in the video regarding OCD?

  The biological approach to explaining and treating OCD
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  2 percent
• What are common obsessions in OCD?

  Fears of dirt, burglary, and fire
• What is the genetic explanation for OCD?

  Vulnerability to OCD is inherited
• What are candidate genes associated with OCD?

  G9 comp Gene, cert Gene, 5 ht1d beta Gene
• How many separate genes could be involved in OCD?

  Up to 230 separate genes
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in identical twins?

  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?

  It is responsible for serotonin transport
• What is the worry circuit in the brain?

  A set of structures overactive in OCD
• What 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 requires a stressor to develop
• What percentage of participants with OCD reported a traumatic life event?

  54 percent
• What is a limitation of the neural evidence for OCD?

  It is 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, headache, and insomnia
• What is a disadvantage of drug therapy for OCD?

  Potential side effects and dependency
• What does the research by Goldacre suggest about drug therapy?

  It may not be as effective as claimed
• What is a potential limitation of drug therapy for OCD?

  It may only treat symptoms, not causes
• What is the role of psychological therapy in treating OCD?

  It may be more effective long-term
• What are the evaluations of the biological approach to treating OCD?

  • High concordance rates suggest genetic origins
  • Drug treatments show effectiveness in studies
  • Limitations include potential side effects
  • Environmental factors also play a role
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using SSRIs for OCD treatment?

  Strengths:

  • Effective for many patients
  • Convenient and less expensive than therapy

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Side effects like nausea and insomnia
  • Delayed symptom relief (3-4 months)
  • Risk of dependency
• What are the biological explanations for OCD?

  • Genetic predisposition (candidate genes)
  • Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin)
  • Overactivity in the worry circuit of the brain