PSP N2

what is the genetic explanation for OCD

OCD is determined by DNA and inheritance

what does the genetic explanation for OCD determine it to be

polygenic

what does polygenic mean

not determined by one gene but by multiple

what are the two candidate genes

COMT and SERT

what does the COMT gene control

dopamine production

what level of dopamine is associated with OCD

high

what does the SERT gene control

serotonin absorption

what level of serotonin is associated with OCD

low

how does the sert and comt genes links to ocd

specific variations of the genes that change function are found in OCD patients

what is the diathesis stress model

the theory that each individual gene creates a vulnerability for OCD but the development of OCD is only triggered by a stress

what is the neural explanation for OCD

that OCD is caused by abnormalities in the brain

what are there typically abnormal levels of in OCD patients

neurotransmitters

what neurotransmitters are typically in abnormal levels of in OCD patients

serotonin and dopamine

what issues in the brain circuits are associated iwth OCD

frontal lobe abnormalities that stop the suppression of worry signals from the orbitofrontal cortex

what is issues with brain circuits supported by

PET scans showing heightened activity of the OFC whilst symptoms are activity

what proof is there to support the neural explanation for OCD surrounding neurotransmitters

studies have found that when the levels of neurotransmitters found in OCD patients are simulated in animals they show OCD symptoms

what is supporting evidence for genetic explanations for OCD

lenane studied the prevalence of OCD between family members and found evidence of inheritable contributions to OCD

what evidence is there to support neural explanations for OCD

pichichero studies US health recirds and found that children with strep infections had sudden onset OCD symptoms

what idea does pichicheros study support

infections cause issues with neural mechanisms that lead to OCD