Genetic explanation - focuses on the way that genes or genetic material may create vulnerability to OCD.
Neural explanation - explains how brain activity and structure can influence the onset of OCD.
Diathesis stress model - suggests that psychological disorders arise from the interaction of underlying biological vulnerability (diathesis) and external stressors or the influence of the environment.
Co-morbidity - the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.
Serotonin - neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, digestion and other functions.
Neurotransmitter - chemical messengers that allow communication between neurons in the brain and the nervous system.
Neuron - a specialised cell transmitting nerve impulses
Polygenic - having more than one source for a disorder.
