Biological Approach to Explaining and Treating OCD

What does drug therapy aim to do?

It aims to change the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain to increase or decrease their activity.

Is OCD associated with high or low serotonin

Low serotonin

How did Lewis find OCD was genetic

37% of his patients had parents with OCD and 21% had siblings with it. This suggests it runs in families.

What is the diathesis stress model

Certain genes leave people likely to develop a mental disorder, only activating due to environmental stress

What are candidate genes

Genes which create vulnerabilities for disorders.

What is an example of a candidate gene in OCD

5HT1-D beta.

it is implicated in the transport of serotonin across synapses.

What does polygenic mean

Caused by multiple genes.

Taylor found that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD.

Research support for genetic explanation

Twin studies. 68% of MZ twins shared OCD compared TO 31% DZ.

Environmental risk factors of genetic explanations

There is strong evidence to suggest that OCD isnt entirely genetic. Environmental factors can cause it too. Cromer found over half of OCD clients had experienced a traumatic event

What is the role of serotonin

Regulating mood.

What does low levels of serotonin mean

Normal relay of mood relevant info doesnt take place causing low moods.

Research support for neural explanation

Antidepressants that work purely on serotonin are effective. suggests serotonin is involved.

What does SSRI stand for

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

What do SSRIs do

They prevent the breaksown and reabsorption of serotonin, increasing levels of serotonin in the synapse and stimulate the postsynaptic neuron

What is often used along SSRIs

CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)

Evidence of SSRI effectiveness

Clear evidence to show that SSRIs reduce symptom severity. A researcher found that SSRIs actually worked when placebos didnt work in reducing effects.

Cost effectiveness of drug therapy

SSRIs are cost effective and non disruptive. it is good value for public health systems.

Side effects of drug therapy

Some people have side effects like indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive. Usually only temporary tho.