Biological approach to OCD

• Biological model assumes psychological disorders are physical illnesses
• Types of biological explanations for OCD

  Genetic factors

  Biochemical factors

  Neurological factors
• Strengths of biological explanation

  • Scientific basis and there is evidence of low serotonin and high dopamine levels in OCD sufferers
  • Damage to basal ganglia does correlate to OCD
  • Twin studies do show genetics do have an affect on OCD
• Weaknesses of Biological explanation

  • Doesn't account environment, family, childhood experience and social influence
  • Therapies raise ethical concerns as drugs can create addictions