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Biological Psychology and OCD - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Excessive
      - Not realistically connected with their supposed goal
      - Aims to reduce anxiety created by obsessions
  - - - ... caused by obsessions and compulsions
    - - ... around excessive and irrational obsessions/compulsions
    - - ... related to obsessions around germs
  - - - Recurring intrusive thoughts
        
        Feel uncontrollable
        
        Excessive/unreasonable
        
        Sufferer is logically aware of this
- - - - Involved in production of COMT, which regulates the production of dopamine
        
        There is an allele of the COMT gene known to be less active
        
        ... leading to higher levels of dopamine
        
        This allele is found to be more common in OCD patients
    - - Inhibits transport of serotonin
        
        ... leading to lower levels in the brain
        
        Ozaki et al (2003) found a mutation of the SERT gene in two unrelated families with high levels of OCD
    - - Theory
        
        A certain gene only gives you a diathesis for OCD
        
        External stressors determine whether you actually develop OCD
  - - - Damaged caudate nucleus
        
        The caudate nucleus suppresses unimportant "worry signals" sent to the thalamus
        
        If it cannot do this, worry circuits are constantly being created about minor issues
        
        PET scans of OCD sufferers in triggering situations show heightened OFC activity
        
        The orbifrontal cortex sends signals about potential hazards. If they reach the thalamus, it sends signals back to the OFC, creating a "worry circuit"
        
        Malfunction can be caused by low serotonin levels or high dopamine levels
    - - High dopamine levels
        
        Szechtman et al (1998) found that enhancing dopamine levels in animals induced movements resembling compulsive behaviours
      - Low serotonin levels
        
        Antidepressants that increase serotonin can reduce OCD symptoms
        
        ...whereas antidepressants that do not effect serotonin levels do not reduce OCD symptoms