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OCD - Coggle Diagram
OCD
Explantion
Genetic
First degree relatives have a greater vulnerability (Nedstadt found first degree relatives had a 12% whereas the GP have a 3%)
Candidate genes
A faulty SERT gene leads to problems with the transport of serotonin and leads to diminished levels.
A faulty COMT gene regulates production of dopamine and makes too much, leading to compulsive behaviour
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Biological
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The caudate nucleus normally supresses signals from the orbital frontal cortex -> the OFC sends signals to the thalamus about things that are worrying -> The caudate nucleus fails to suppress minor worries, sending messages back to the OFC creating a worry circuit
Low serotonin
Influences mood regulation and other mental processes such as anxiety, sleep, memory and social behaviour
High dopamine
More compulsive, aggressive, poor impulse control, unfulfilled expectation causes anxious anticipation.
Treatment
Drugs
SSRI
Antidepressant medication which aim to alleviate the symptoms of OCD by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain
When neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap, not all of it attaches to the receptor sites on the receiving neuron. This is done in two ways:
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