OCD

2 Behavioural characteristics of OCD?

• Compulsions- behaviour is performed to reduce anxiety created by obsessions (repetitive actions). Patient feel they must perform the action otherwise something bad will happen.

• Avoidance- OCD sufferers avoid situations that will trigger anxiety, interferes every day life

3 Emotional characteristics of OCD?

• Anxiety + Distress- obsessive thoughts are frightening and urge to repeat behaviour can cause anxiety

• Accompanying depression- anxiety leads to low mood and lack of enjoyment of usual activities

• Guilt and discussed – common obsession is germ which gives rise to a feeling of disgust. Sufferers are aware of their behaviours are excessive which can cause shame.

3 Cognitive characteristics?

• obsessions – recurrent, intrusive thoughts that are perceived as inappropriate/forbidden

• Cognitive strategies- things that help deal with the obsession but can distract from every day lives

• Insight into excessive anxiety – many OCD suffers are aware their obsessions/completions aren’t rational, however still think the worst as if they anxiety is justified

what are the two explanations of OCD?

• Genetic

• Neural

what does the genetic explanation say?

OCD is inherited by the inheritance of a variation of a specific candidate gene that makes people vulnerable OCD.

2 candidate genes:

• COMT (high dopamine, happy when do compulsion)

• SERT (when you feel bad, carry out ritualistic behaviour to feel better)

what’s a strength of the genetic explanation? (include CA)

Research support

Nestast et al found 68% MZ Twins showed OCD as opposed to 31% DZ twins. this suggests OCD is genetic as MZ have higher concordance rate and their DNA is the same.

CA: figures aren’t 100% so it can’t be completely genetic (environmental factors)

What’s two weaknesses of the genetic explanation?

• Deterministic

• Reductionist

What does the neural explanation say?

1) neurotransmitters- Serotonin (increases level of anxiety and obsessive thoughts)

• Low levels of serotonin

• Normal levels of serotonin, but are reabsorbed too quick before they’ve transmitted their signals

2) Neuroanatomy- impaired function/ communication in parts of brain

• Faulty OFC- poor decisions (obsessions)

• BAGA- worry circuit sends a letter to BAGA to repeat the action, repetitive behaviour/compulsion

what’s 2 strengths of the neural explanation?

Supportive evidence

• Antidepressants work purely on serotonin system, increases levels and reduces OCD symptoms, so therefore serotonin must be involved in OCD

RWA

• theory of low serotonin – OCD led to development of SSRI which improve the quality of life of people with OCD

what are two weaknesses of neural explanation?

• Reductionist

• Deterministic

how does SSRIs work?

• SSRI increased level of serotonin available at the synapse by preventing it from being reabsorbed

• This improves the concentration of brain chemical at the receptor on postsynaptic neurone, intensifying stimulation on receiving nerve

• Decreases anxiety, lowers heart rate/blood pressure

two strengths and two weaknesses of SSRI?

• Effective

• Cheap

• Side effects

• Evidence possibly not effective

how is treatment being effective a strength? (include CA)

Research support

Soomro et al 2009 reviewed 17 studies of SSRI OCD patients and found them more effective than placebo in reducing OCD symptoms up to 3 months after. SSRI must be effective.

CA: only up to 3 months, don’t know long term effect

how is treatment being cheap a strength?

very cheap- one box last a long time

Easy to use – takes 10 seconds just have to take one every day

how is treatment having side effects a weakness?

• mood changes – more angry

• Feeling agitated, confused

• Suicidal thoughts

how is the evidence on effectiveness possibly not correct a weakness?

Unreliable evidence, researcher bias, wants to sell their drugs so are going to make it look good