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Psychopathology 2 - Coggle Diagram
Psychopathology 2
The biological approach to explaining OCD
GENETIC
COMT gene
COMT regulates production of dopamine
Dopamine = regulates attention and
emotional responses
A mutated form of the COMT gene
is found more commonly in OCD patients
Mutated form doesn't regulate
dopamine levels as well = high levels
SERT gene
Affects the transportation of serotonin
Serotonin = regulates mood, apetite,
sleep, learning and anxiety
A mutated form of the SERT gene
is more commonly found in OCD patients
Mutated form slows down the
transportation of serotonin = low levels
NEURAL
OCD is caused by abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters
High Dopamine
Low Serotonin
Overactive Orbitofrontal cortex (ON switch)
Faulty Caudate Nucleus (OFF switch)
Evaluation:
:check: Evidence to support that the disorder
has a genetic basis (Billett et al - twin study)
:red_cross: Issues regarding a cause and
effect relationship (correlation)
:red_cross: Too reductionist
The biological approach to treating OCD
SSRIs (antidepressants)
Used to treat depression + OCD
Raises levels of serotonin
Prevents reabsorption
by sending nerve endings before
it can stimulate the receiving
neuron
Serotonin levels therefore don't
drop and the patients mood
remains constant
Side effects:
Nausea,
insomnia, sexual disfunction,
suicidal morbidity
SNRIs (beta blockers)
Used to treat anxiety
disorders and prolonged stress
Enhance the activity of GABA
(a natural sedative)
GABA locks onto the receptor
sites in the neuron so other
anxiety causing
neurotransmitters cannot bind
to them
Side effects:
Addiction,
drowsiness, toxic/death
Evaluation:
:check: Considerable evidence to
show that drug treatments of OCD are
effective (Soomro et al - placebo testing)
:red_cross: Drugs used to treat OCD
can have negative severe side effects
:red_cross: Often just treats the symptoms
and does not cure the mental illness