OCD

• Overview

  Obsessions: recurrent and persistent thoughts that are intrusive, unwanted and cause anxiety and distress

  Compulsions: repetitive behaviours or mental acts in response to an obsession
• Cognitive characteristics (obsessions) 


  recurrent and persistent thoughts, insight into excessive anxiety, catastrophic thoughts
• Behavioural characteristics (compulsions)


  repetitive behaviours, compulsions reduce anxiety
• Emotional characteristics


  anxiety and distress, guilt
• Genetic explanation


  OCD characteristics are a result of particular genes that children inherit from their parents. Candidate genes are specific genes that have been identified that create a vulnerability for OCD. One possible gene is the SERT gene, which when mutated, affects the transport of serotonin, creating lower levels of this neurotransmitter
• Genetic explanation strength


  one strength of the genetic explanation for OCD is the strong evidence base. There is evidence from a variety of sources which strongly suggests that some people

  are vulnerable to OCD as a result of their genetic make-up
• Genetic explanation Limitation


  OCD is Polygenic – it is unlikely that a single candidate gene is responsible for causing OCD; it is more likely that it is a combination of genes (for example COMT and SERT) that

  determine an individual’s level of vulnerability to the condition
• Neural explanations


  abnormal levels of neurotransmitters - It is thought that lower levels of serotonin are associated with OCD

  abnormal brain circuits - Several areas in the frontal lobes of the brain are thought to be abnormal in people with OCD
• Neural Explanations Strength


  Research Support for the Neural Explanation of OCD - there is strong evidence that suggests certain brain circuits are associated with OCD
• Neural Explanations Limitation


  cause and affect - cannot assume that neural mechanisms cause OCD. Brain scan studies show an association between increased activity in certain brain areas
• SSRI’s - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors


  antidepressants that are used to reduce the anxiety

  associated with OCD. SSRI’s are currently the preferred drug for

  treating OCD.
• Anti -Anxiety Drugs


  Anxiolytic Drugs Certain anxiolytics are used to treat the

  anxiety associated with OCD.
• Effectiveness of drug treatment 


  Not a Lasting Cure – unfortunately the relapse rate following discontinuation of medication

  is quite high. According to Simpson et al. 45% of patients treated with clomipramine (SRI) relapsed back into the disorder within 12 weeks of completing medication.
• Appropriateness of drug treatment


  Preferred Treatment – drug therapy is a preferred treatment for OCD because it is non-disruptive to the patient’s life as it requires little effort from the user and little input in terms

  of time