Neural explanations to OCD

Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters

• A reduction to the functioning in the serotonin system has been linked to OCD

• People have low levels of serotonin

• Dopamine is thought to be high in OCD sufferers

impaired decision making

• Some cases of OCD and especially hoarding disorder are associated with impaired decision making

• This is linked with abnormal functioning of the side bits of the frontal lobe- these are responsible for logical thinking

A02- mapping of the human genome

Fertilised eggs can be screened to check for deficiencies and allow parents to abort the eggs with the gene

A02- gene therapy

turn off certain genes so that a disorder is not expressed. In prospective parents if they have the mutant COMPT gene the mothers eggs can be screened and the foetus can be aborted or genes turned of before conception known as gene therapy

A02 extra

We can’t assume that neural mechanisms cause OCD rather that they are a factor in causing the onset

Co morbidity is a factor many sufferers of OCD develop depression as well which could cause low levels of serotonin and the disruption of the serotonin system