OCD

• What is the focus of the biological approach to explaining OCD?

  The biological approach focuses on genetic and neural explanations for OCD.
• What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  • Obsessive thoughts: Recurring negative or unpleasant thoughts.
  • Cognitive coping strategies: Ways people cope with obsessive thoughts.
  • Awareness of irrational anxiety: Sufferers recognize their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.
• What are examples of obsessive thoughts in OCD?

  Worrying about leaving the door unlocked or straighteners on.
• What are the behavioral characteristics of OCD?

  • Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding situations that may trigger OCD.
• What is an example of a compulsion in OCD?

  Hand washing.
• How do compulsions help OCD sufferers?

  Compulsions reduce anxiety produced by obsessions.
• What percentage of OCD sufferers do not have obsessions?

  About 10%.
• What is a common emotional characteristic of OCD?

  Powerful, overwhelming anxiety.
• What can accompany anxiety and distress in OCD?

  Depression.
• What are some unpleasant emotions associated with OCD?

  • Guilt over minor moral issues.
  • Disgust related to germs or the self.
• What is the cycle of OCD?

  • Compulsions lead to anxiety.
  • Anxiety leads to obsessions.
  • Obsessions cause distress.
  • Distress can lead to avoidance and depression.
• What is an example of a fear related to obsessions in OCD?

  Worrying about catching a deadly disease.
• What are some compulsive behaviors in OCD?

  • Repeatedly checking doors and windows.
  • Excessive cleaning.
  • Counting objects.
  • Requesting reassurance.
  • Repeating phrases.
  • Rearranging objects.
• What are genetic explanations for OCD?

  • Specific genes influence the onset of OCD.
  • Certain genes increase vulnerability to OCD.
  • OCD is a polygenic condition with multiple candidate genes.
• What did Lewis (1936) find regarding OCD in families?

  37% of his sample had parents with OCD.
• What does the COMT gene do in relation to OCD?

  The COMT gene helps regulate the function of dopamine.
• How does a mutation in the COMT gene affect dopamine levels?

  It causes a decrease in COMT activity, leading to higher levels of dopamine.
• What neurotransmitters are implicated in OCD?

  Serotonin and dopamine.
• What is the role of serotonin in relation to OCD?

  • Regulates mood and well-being.
  • Sometimes referred to as the "Happy Hormone."
• What is the role of dopamine in relation to OCD?

  • Associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.
  • Plays a role in addiction and compulsive behaviors.
• What influences the onset of OCD according to genetic explanations?

  Specific genes received from parents
• How do certain genes affect an individual's vulnerability to OCD?

  Certain genes increase an individual's vulnerability to OCD
• Which neurotransmitters are implicated in neural explanations of OCD?

  Serotonin and dopamine
• What is the role of serotonin in relation to mood and happiness?

  Serotonin regulates mood, well-being, and feelings of happiness
• What is dopamine associated with?

  Feelings of pleasure and reward
• What does the term "polygenic" mean in the context of OCD?

  It means that OCD is influenced by several candidate genes
• How many different genes does Taylor (2013) suggest could be involved in OCD?

  Up to 230 different genes
• What does the COMT gene regulate?

  The function of dopamine
• What happens when there is a mutation in the COMT gene?

  It causes a decrease in COMT activity and a higher level of dopamine
• How does the mutation in the SERT gene affect serotonin levels?

  It leads to an increase in transporter proteins, causing lower levels of serotonin in the synapse
• What is the relationship between serotonin levels and mood regulation in OCD sufferers?

  Lower levels of serotonin lead to poor mood regulation and higher anxiety
• What are the key findings from family and twin studies regarding OCD?

  • Nestadt et al (2000): 5x greater risk if had a first-degree relative with OCD
  • Billett et al (1998): Monozygotic twins are 2x more likely to develop OCD than dizygotic twins
  • Ozaki et al (2003): Mutation of the SERT gene found in families with multiple OCD cases
• Summarize the genetic explanations for OCD.

  • Predisposition may be inherited
  • OCD is a polygenic condition
  • COMT gene regulates dopamine
  • SERT gene regulates serotonin
  • Research includes family studies, twin studies, and developing research methods
• Which brain regions are associated with OCD?

  Basal ganglia, orbitofrontal cortex, and prefrontal cortex
• What is the function of the orbitofrontal cortex in relation to OCD?

  It converts sensory information to actions, and heightened activity results in compulsions
• How does damage to the basal ganglia affect individuals?

  It results in OCD-like symptoms
• What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in OCD?

  It is involved in primitive behaviors and decision-making, and overstimulation can exaggerate these behaviors
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of genetic and neural explanations for OCD?

  Strengths:

  • Good supporting evidence from studies (Nestadt et al, Billett et al, Ozaki)
  • Suggests a genetic vulnerability

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Too many candidate genes
  • Polygenic nature provides little predictive value
  • Structural mechanisms may be effects of OCD rather than causes
• What are the biological treatments for OCD?

  • SSRIs: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine)
  • Tricyclics: Older antidepressants (e.g., Clomipramine)
  • SNRIs: Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
  • Combination of SSRIs with CBT
• What is the primary function of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  They block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the synapse