Explanation

• What did Ozaki et al., (2003) find from a study of two unrelated families with mutations of the SERT gene?


  six out of seven family members had OCD
• Why is Ozaki’s study significant to supporting the role of candidate genes in the onset of OCD?

  Explanation has application in the real world, provides explanation with credibility to generalise assumptions
• Why is it disadvantageous that OCD does not point to a strong biological link within the population?

  Percentage of inheritance is not 100%, thus OCD is not solely genetically caused and influenced by environmental factors
• What evidence is there for OCD not having a strong biological link in the population?

  OCD is inherited between 45% and 65% among 4000 pairs of twins
• Why is it beneficial that biological explanations of OCD are biologically deterministic?


  Removes hostile feelings towards themselves and their surroundings, allowing for better availability to treatments and seeking help; creates a positive outlook
• What does the biological explanation of OCD do as a result of being deterministic ?

  Removes aspects of guilt and blame of their diagnosis away from the individual and the people around them, i.e. family and friends
• What did Piggott et al., (1990) find about SSRIs?


  Effective in treating patients with OCD due to increased concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap
• How does Piggott’s study create positive practical application through treatment of OCD?


  Treatment is accessible because SSRIs are cheap, thus more patients will receive it and integrate into society
• Discuss biological explanations of OCD (16 marker)


  AO1: Genetic

  AO3 (+): Ozaki et al., (2003)

  AO3 (-): Not a strong biological link

  AO1: Neural

  AO3 (+): Biologically deterministic

  AO3 (+): Piggott et al., (1990)