the biological approach to explaining OCD

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  • Created by: IvyVega
  • Created on: 31-05-18 14:00
candidate genes
researchers have identified specific genes which create a vulnerability for OCD. serotonin genes are implicated in the transmission of serotonin across synapses. dopamine genes are also implicated in OCD. both are neurotransmitter, a role in mood
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OCD is polygenic
OCD is not caused by one single gene but several genes are involved. Taylor found evidence that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD
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different types of OCD
one group of genes may cause OCD in one person but a different group of genes may cause the disorder in another person. there is is also evidence that different types of OCD may be the result of particular genetic variations.
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low levels of serotonin lowers mood
neurotransmitters are responsible for relaying information from one neuron to another.
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decision making system in frontal lobes impaired
some cases of OCD seem to be associated with impaired decision making. this is turn may be associated with abnormal functioning of the lateral frontal lobes of the brain. the frontal lobes are responsible for logical thinking and making decisions.
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parahippocampal gyrus dysfunctional
there is also evidence to suggest that an area called the left parahippocampal gyrus associated with processing unpleasant emotions, functions abnormally in OCD
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strength 1- supporting evidence- genetic explanations
there s evidence from a variety of sources which suggests that some people are vulnerable to OCD as a result of their genetic make-up
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limitation 1- too many candidate genes- genetic explanations
this is that it appears that several genes are involved and that each genetic variation only increases the risk of OCD by a fraction.
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strength 2- some supporting evidence- neural explanations
antidepressants that work purely on the serotonin system are effective in reducing OCD symptoms and this suggests that the serotonin system may be involved in OCD.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

OCD is not caused by one single gene but several genes are involved. Taylor found evidence that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD

Back

OCD is polygenic

Card 3

Front

one group of genes may cause OCD in one person but a different group of genes may cause the disorder in another person. there is is also evidence that different types of OCD may be the result of particular genetic variations.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

neurotransmitters are responsible for relaying information from one neuron to another.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

some cases of OCD seem to be associated with impaired decision making. this is turn may be associated with abnormal functioning of the lateral frontal lobes of the brain. the frontal lobes are responsible for logical thinking and making decisions.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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