Neural explanations

• what does the neural explanation of OCD suggesty?

  that OCD results from abnormally functioning BRAIN mechanisms

  this could be neurochemical (neurotransmitter imbalance) or neurophysiological (brain area)
• what does one arguement suggest?

  that OCD links to immune system deficiencies due to contracting a virus (eg influenza, strep throat, lyme-disease)

  this would indicate a BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION through damage to neural mechanisms
• what other areas in our brain have been identified as functioning abnormally in OCD sufferers?

  • basal ganglia linked to compulsion production- OVERACTIVE IN SUFFERERS
• What is OCD caused by , according to the neural explanation?


  • Abnormally functioning brain mechanisms
  • this could be neurochemical- specifically lowered level of the neurotransmitter serotonin
  • Secondly, it may be neurophysiological-specific areas of the brain that dysfunction eg an overactive orbitofrontal cortex