neural explanation

• chemical imbalance 


  -genes code for levels of neurotransmitters in brain

  -these chemicals transmit signals between nerves

  -mental illnesses > means levels of neurotransmitters in brain too high/low
• what are mental illnesses caused by

  neurotransmitter levels being too high or low
• serotonin & dopamine


  -both been linked to OCD

  -low serotonin levels > caused by SERT

  -high dopamine levels > caused by COMT

  -abnormal levels cause malfunction in parts of brain
• serotonin & OFC


  serotonin plays key role in OFC operation

  -abnormal serotonin levels may cause the area to malfunction
• dopamine & brain


  -high dopamine levels lead to over activity in whole brain
• areas in/linked to frontal lobe thought to be abnormal in people with OCD

  -OFC

  -thalamus
• malfunctioning OFC causing OCD

  -OFC involved in decision making & worry about behaviour

  -malfunctioning OFC result in increased anxiety & increased planning to avoid anxiety (obsessions)
• malfunctioning thalamus causing OCD

  -thalamus includes motivation for tasks > cleaning, checking & other safety behaviours

  -overactive thalamus result in increased motivation to clean & check for safety (compulsions)