Genetic AO1

Cards (12)

  • The genetic explanation suggests that OCD is inherited
  • Individuals inherit specific genes which cause OCD
  • OCD is a polygenic condition
  • What does polygenic mean?
    Multiple genes are involved in development of a condition
  • According to Taylor (2013) up to 230 different genes may be invloved in OCD
  • How can genes that cause OCD be identified?
    Comparing DNA of person with OCD with other people to showed that some genes make people more vulnerable to developing OCD
  • What are candidate genes?

    Genes that are believed to be associated with a particular trait or disease.
  • What are the two candidate genes associated with OCD?
    COMT gene and SERT gene
  • What is the COMT gene?
    A gene that codes for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine
  • What is dopamine?
    Neurotransmitter which produces pleasure when the ‘reward pathway‘ in the brain is activated
  • What variation of the COMT gene is more common in patients with OCD?
    Variation that results in higher levels of dopamine
  • What is the SERT gene?
    The SERT gene encodes the serotonin transporter protein. Variation may cause lower levels of serotonin which is associated with OCD (and depression)