OCD

what is OCD

an anxiety disorder where anxiety arises from both obsessions and compulsions

compulsions are a response to obsessions and the person believes the compulsions will reduce anxiety

what is an obsession

persistent thoughts

what is a compulsion

behaviours that are repeated over and over again

describe intrusive thoughts associated with OCD

intrusive thoughts that can be frightening and cause intense distress that feels overwhelming

create anxiety due to their repetitive nature which can feel uncontrollable

describe low mood with OCD

due to the constant cycle of obsessions and compulsions being physically and mentally exhausting

can be exacerbated by guilt at neglecting themselves or others due to time taken with compulsions

describe what people with OCDs thoughts about their behaviours might be

may have insight that their behaviour is irrational and excessive

may lead them to be secretive about their compulsions

feel embarrassed and experience shame and self loathing

give examples of common obsessions

thoughts of being contaminated by germs

or something important being overlooked- e.g switching off hair curlers

describe compulsive behaviours

repetitive

intrusive thoughts

e.g. repeatedly washing hands until they feel relief

relief is only temporary so the process is repeated

what is the key behavioural element of compulsions

reduces anxiety

how is anxiety created in OCD

by an obsession being so overwhelming that the person feels compelled to respond by performing the behaviour

describe avoidant behaviour in OCD

if obsessed with germs they may avoid touching surfaces in which they deem to have germs to reduce the anxiety of becoming contaminated

what is the neural aspect of the biological explanation for ocd

abnormal functioning in the brain, mechanisms and neurotransmitters

what is the genetic aspect of the biological explanation for ocd

hereditary influences through genetic transmission from parent to offspring

what are the levels of dopamine in people with ocd

abnormally high

what are the levels of seretonin in people with ocd

lower activity

describe the OFC in people with ocd

sends signal to the thalamus about things that are worrying

describe the thalamus in people with ocd

leads to impulse to act and then to stop activity when the impulse lessens

describe the caudate nucleus in people with ocd

normally suppresses signals from the OFC.

if damaged, it fails to do this and so the thalamus is alerted about minor worry signals

it sends signals back to the OFC acting as a worry circuit

describe the COMT gene

produces a hormone that regulates the production of dopamine

one form of the comt gene is more common in OCD patients - this variation produces lower activity of the comt gene- higher levels of dopamine

describe the sert gene

affects transport of serotonin

lower levels of serotonin- found in people with ocd

lower levels of serotonin= more serotonin taken away from neurotransmitters

describe the research for the SERT gene

mutation found of SERT in 2 unrelated families where 6/7 family members had OCD