OCD

?
View mindmap
  • OCD
    • Genetic Explanations
      • Focused on identifying specific candidate genes which are implicated in OCD.
        • Polygenic condition= several genes are involved.
          • Taylor 2003 suggests there are 230 genes involved and perhaps different genetic variations contribute to different types of OCD for example, hoarding or obsessive cleanliness
      • Genes linked to OCD
        • COMT= catechil-o-methyltransferase
          • Regulates the neurotransmitter DOPAMINE.
            • A variation of the COMT gene results in higher levels of Dopamine. this variation is common in people with OCD
        • SERT= 5-HTT.
          • Affects the transportation of SEROTONIN.
            • Transportation issues lower levels of serotonin and this lack of is associated with OCD.
    • Neural Explanations (neurotransmitters)
      • SEROTONIN regulates mood and lower levels of serotonin are assossiated with mood disorders EG: depression.
        • Piggott 1990= reserch examining antidepressants and SSRI. drugs that increase the serotonin in the synaptic gap are effective in treating patients with OCD
      • Dopamine= higher levels are associated with OCD. Associated with the symptoms particularly the compulsive behaviours.
      • Brain structure
        • Several regions of the Frontal lobes of the brain have abnormal circuits in OCD patients.
          • Basal ganglia
            • Cluster of neurons at the base of the fore-brain which is involved in multiple processes EG: coordination. people who suffer injures in this area develop OCD symptoms.
          • Orbiofrontal cortex
            • region that converts sensory info into thoughts and actions. PET scans have found higher activity in the cortex.
              • EG: when a patient is asked to hold a dirty object. the activity in the cortex increases which results in compulsions
    • Evaluation of Biological approach.
      • Research support= Family studies.
        • Lewis 1936 examined patients with OCD and found that 37% of patients with OCD had parents with the disorder and 21% who had siblings who suffered.
          • does not rule out environmental factors due to families sharing same environment.
      • Research support= Twin studies. Evidence of a strong genetic link.
        • Billett 1998= meta-analysis of 14 twin studies investigating inheritance rates. identical twins were at double risk compared to normal twins
          • concordance rates in twin studies are never 100%is suggests that the diathesis-stress model may be a better explanation where a genetic vulnerability is inherited and triggered by a stressor in the enviroment.
      • Alternative explanations. Behaviourist two-process model suggests that learning could play a crucial role in the disorder. The initial learning of the feared stimulus could occur through classical conditioning along with it being reinforced by negative reinforcement
        • EG: development of compulsions like washing hands.
        • Behavioural treatments were successful in 60-90% of adults saying their symptoms improved.
    • Treating OCD
      • Biological treatments aim to restore chemical imbalances in the brain since this is the main cause of this disorder.
      • Drug therapies
        • Anti-Anxiety Drugs
          • Benzodiazepines are a range of anti-anxiety drugs that include trade names like valium and diazepam.
            • Enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA.
              • GABA tells neurons to slow down and stop firing.
                • Have a quietening effect on the brain and consequently reduce anxiety which is a result of the obsessive thoughts
                  • Chloride ions make it harder for the receiving neuron to be stimulated by further neurotransmitters.
        • Anti-Depressants
          • Result of low levels of serotonin so selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors EG; Prozac are prescribed are the preferred treatment. Anti-depressants improve mood and reduce anxiety experienced by patients with OCD.
            • When serotonin is released from the pre-synaptic cell into the synapse, it travels to the receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron.
              • Serotonin which is not absorbed into the post synaptic neuron is reabsorbed into the sending cell.
                • SSRIs increase the level of serotonin available in the synapse preventing it from being reabsorbed into the sending cell.
                  • this increases the level of serotonin available in the synapes which in turn, improves the concentration of the brain chemical at the receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron, intensifying the stimulation on the receiving nerve.
      • Evaluation of Biological treatments.
        • Research support showing their effectiveness. Soomro 2008
          • Compared a drug trial with SSRI's and a placebo drug (a drug with no pharmaceutical value).
            • found that they were significantly more effective across 17 trials. this supports biological treatments
          • Criticised for only concluding short-term effectiveness. Long term still need to be investigated
        • Cost effective.
          • Beneficial for health care providers
        • Non-disruptive in everyday life and does not require Motivation
          • Better for patients who lack motivation
        • Side effects.
          • Can cause, indigestion, hallucinations, high blood pressure, erection problems.
          • BZ's are highly addictive, can increase aggression, long-term memory problems.
            • Only prescribed for 4 weeks. ASHTON 1997
          • Patients can stop taking them because side effects get to much.
        • Treat symptoms NOT the cause.
          • Once patients stop taking the drugs, they are prone o relapse.
            • Short term fix. CBT is better long-term.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

See all Psychology resources »See all Obsessive compulsive disorders resources »