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Biological and Neural Explanations of OCD: A Level Psychology Exam Guide

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Ajeet

14/10/2022

Psychology

Outline and evaluate genetic and neural explanations of OCD

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Biological and Neural Explanations of OCD: A Level Psychology Exam Guide

Biological explanations of OCD encompass genetic and neural factors that contribute to the disorder's development, including specific gene variations and brain structure abnormalities.

Key points:

  • The COMT and SERT genes play crucial roles in neurotransmitter regulation
  • Brain regions like the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex show altered activity
  • Twin studies provide strong evidence for genetic influence
  • Treatment applications include SSRI medications
  • Limitations include correlation vs causation issues and nomothetic approach concerns
...

14/10/2022

681

<p>The biological explanation of OCD suggests that an individual's genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structure can contribute to the deve

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Research Support and Limitations

The genetic explanation of OCD evaluation presents both strengths and challenges. While meta-analyses of twin studies provide robust support for genetic influence, potential research bias may overestimate the role of biological factors. The approach has led to practical applications through medication development, particularly SSRIs like Prozac.

Vocabulary: SSRIs SelectiveSerotoninReuptakeInhibitorsSelective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are medications that increase serotonin availability in the brain.

Highlight: Biological treatments are often more cost-effective and have lower attrition rates compared to psychological interventions like CBT.

Quote: "The biological abnormalities may be a consequence of OCD rather than its cause."

<p>The biological explanation of OCD suggests that an individual's genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structure can contribute to the deve

View

Comprehensive Evaluation and Alternative Perspectives

The neural explanation of OCD faces criticism for its nomothetic approach, which may oversimplify individual differences in OCD manifestation. Studies like Pauls et al's neuroimaging research, while valuable, may not capture the full spectrum of OCD variations.

Definition: A nomothetic approach attempts to establish general laws or principles that apply to all cases.

Example: Different individuals may experience varying obsessions and compulsions, suggesting the need for more personalized study approaches.

Highlight: The two-process model offers an alternative behavioral explanation, emphasizing learning through classical and operant conditioning.

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Psychology

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681

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14 Oct 2022

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3 pages

Biological and Neural Explanations of OCD: A Level Psychology Exam Guide

user profile picture

Ajeet

@ajeet_omom

Biological explanations of OCD encompass genetic and neural factors that contribute to the disorder's development, including specific gene variations and brain structure abnormalities.

Key points:

  • The COMT and SERT genes play crucial roles in neurotransmitter regulation
  • Brain regions like the... Show more

<p>The biological explanation of OCD suggests that an individual's genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structure can contribute to the deve

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Research Support and Limitations

The genetic explanation of OCD evaluation presents both strengths and challenges. While meta-analyses of twin studies provide robust support for genetic influence, potential research bias may overestimate the role of biological factors. The approach has led to practical applications through medication development, particularly SSRIs like Prozac.

Vocabulary: SSRIs SelectiveSerotoninReuptakeInhibitorsSelective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are medications that increase serotonin availability in the brain.

Highlight: Biological treatments are often more cost-effective and have lower attrition rates compared to psychological interventions like CBT.

Quote: "The biological abnormalities may be a consequence of OCD rather than its cause."

<p>The biological explanation of OCD suggests that an individual's genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structure can contribute to the deve

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Comprehensive Evaluation and Alternative Perspectives

The neural explanation of OCD faces criticism for its nomothetic approach, which may oversimplify individual differences in OCD manifestation. Studies like Pauls et al's neuroimaging research, while valuable, may not capture the full spectrum of OCD variations.

Definition: A nomothetic approach attempts to establish general laws or principles that apply to all cases.

Example: Different individuals may experience varying obsessions and compulsions, suggesting the need for more personalized study approaches.

Highlight: The two-process model offers an alternative behavioral explanation, emphasizing learning through classical and operant conditioning.

<p>The biological explanation of OCD suggests that an individual's genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structure can contribute to the deve

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Genetic and Neural Foundations of OCD

The biological explanation of OCD centers on genetic predisposition and neural mechanisms. Research has identified approximately 230 genes potentially involved in OCD development, with particular emphasis on the COMT and SERT genes. The COMT gene regulates dopamine levels, while SERT influences serotonin transport. Neural explanations focus on brain structures like the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex, which show altered activity patterns in OCD patients.

Definition: The basal ganglia is a cluster of neurons at the brain's base involved in movement coordination.

Highlight: PET scans reveal increased activity in the orbitofrontal cortex of OCD patients, potentially explaining both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Example: Twin studies conducted by Billet et al demonstrated that identical twins have twice the risk of developing OCD compared to fraternal twins.

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