The biological approach to OCD

• What does OCD stand for?

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• What dominates the mental world of someone with OCD?

  Repetitive and intrusive thoughts
• What is the impact of compulsions on the lives of those with OCD?

  They leave little time for other activities
• What will be discussed in the video regarding OCD?

  • Biological approach to explaining OCD
  • Genetic and neural explanations
  • Drug treatments and evaluations
• What are the common obsessions in OCD?

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

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

  G9 comp Gene, cert Gene, 5 ht1d beta Gene
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in identical twins?

  68 percent
• How many separate genes could be involved in OCD development?

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

  31 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 in OCD?

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

  A set of structures overactive in OCD
• Which 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 are the strengths of the genetic explanation for OCD?

  • High concordance rates in twins
  • Family studies indicate genetic origins
  • Candidate genes identified
• What are the weaknesses of the genetic explanation for OCD?

  • Environmental factors also play a role
  • Not all identical twins develop OCD
  • Genetic predisposition does not guarantee OCD
• What is the diathesis-stress model in relation to OCD?

  Genetic vulnerability plus environmental stressors
• What did the research by Chroma reveal about traumatic life events and OCD?

  54% of participants reported traumatic events
• What is a limitation of neural imaging studies in OCD?

  They are correlational, not causal
• What did Samara's meta-analysis find about SSRIs?

  SSRIs are more effective than placebos
• 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 in the synapse
• What is a common side effect of SSRIs?

  Nausea
• What is a disadvantage of drug therapy for OCD?

  Potential side effects and dependency issues
• Why might drug therapy be preferred over CBT?

  It is less expensive and more convenient
• What does the research by Chroma suggest about drug therapy?

  It may only treat symptoms, not causes
• What are the criticisms of drug therapy for OCD?

  • Research may be biased by pharmaceutical companies
  • Side effects can deter patients
  • Long-term effectiveness is uncertain
• What are the advantages of psychological therapy over drug therapy?

  • Addresses underlying causes of OCD
  • No risk of dependency
  • Potential for long-term symptom management