Neural explanation for OCD

• What is the neural explanation for OCD?

  -OCD is caused by abnormal levels of neurotransmitters

  -the genes associated with OCD are likely to affect the levels of key neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin), as well as key structures of the brain
• What is the serotonin explanation for OCD?

  -OCD is caused by low levels of serotonin

  -if a person has low levels of serotonin, normal transmission of mood-relevant information does not take place, so mood (and other mental processes) are affected
• The frontal lobes are responsible for decision making and logic. The lateral of the frontal lobes, when functioning abnormally, may be associated with impaired decision making.
• Evaluate the neural explanation for OCD.?

  Strengths: SSRI's are effective at reducing OCD symptoms. which suggests serotonin may be involved in OCD

  Limitations: low levels of serotonin and low activity in the frontal lobes are neural correlates of OCD