Bio approach to treating OCD

• Biological explanations


  These explanations are divided into genetic explanations and neural explanations
• Genetic explanations


  Suggests OCD is inherited and that individuals inherit specific genes which cause OCD
• Genes linked to OCD

  • COMT gene
  • SERT gene
• COMT gene


  Associated with the regulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine
• One variation of the COMT gene

  Results in higher levels of dopamine and this variation is more common in patients with OCD, in comparison to people without OCD
• SERT gene


  Linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin and affects the transport of serotonin, causing lower levels of serotonin which is also associated with OCD
• Neural explanations for OCD

  focuses on neurotransmitters as well as brain structures. This explanation suggests that abnormal levels of neurotransmitters, in particular serotonin and dopamine, are implicated in OCD. It also suggests that particular regions of the brain, in particular the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex, are implicated in OCD
• Brain structures 


  Two brain regions have been implicated in OCD, including the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex
• Basal ganglia 


  A brain structure involved in multiple processes, including the coordination of movement. Patients who suffer head injuries in this region often develop OCD-like symptoms, following their recovery
• Orbitofrontal cortex


  A region which converts sensory information into thoughts and actions. PET scans have found higher activity in the orbitofrontal cortex in patients with OCD
• SSRI's 


  SSRI's work on the serotonin system. Serotonin is released at the pre synaptic neuron and travels across the synapse. It chemically transmits the message to the postsynaptic neuron. It is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron broken down and re-used. SSRI's stop the re-absorption to increase the amount in the synapse continues to stimulate the post synaptic neuron. More serotonin available, more mood regulation, fewer OCD symptoms