REVISE Psychopathology in 27 MINS! (AQA A-level Psychology)

Summary

This video explores Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), covering its emotional, cognitive, and biological aspects. It explains the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that define the condition, the genetic and neural factors contributing to its development, and the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Biological treatments, especially SSRIs, are discussed, along with their limitations and the comparison to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The video emphasizes the interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors, providing a comprehensive overview of OCD and its management.

Takeaways

• 😀 OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that cause significant distress and anxiety.
• 😀 Individuals with OCD often experience shame or embarrassment about their irrational thoughts and compulsive actions.
• 😀 Obsessive thoughts are intrusive and repetitive, often creating a sense of anxiety and a need to perform compulsions to alleviate it.
• 😀 The genetic explanation for OCD suggests it is inherited, with research indicating a higher risk in relatives of those with the disorder.
• 😀 Specific genes, like the *comp* gene (linked to dopamine regulation) and the *search* gene (affecting serotonin levels), may contribute to OCD.
• 😀 The neural explanation includes abnormal dopamine and serotonin levels, with high dopamine linked to compulsions and low serotonin linked to anxiety.
• 😀 OCD’s 'worry circuit' involves the orbital frontal cortex, which detects threats and sends signals to the basal ganglia, leading to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior when the process malfunctions.
• 😀 Studies show a higher concordance rate for OCD in monozygotic twins (68%) compared to dizygotic twins (31%), supporting the genetic basis of the disorder.
• 😀 A limitation of the biological explanations for OCD is that they do not account for environmental triggers, such as past trauma, that may initiate or exacerbate the disorder.
• 😀 SSRIs are commonly used to treat OCD, increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and have been shown to be more effective than placebos in reducing symptoms.
• 😀 While SSRIs address symptoms of OCD, they do not address the root causes of the disorder, and side effects like nausea and insomnia can occur, making CBT a more favorable option for some individuals.

Q & A

What are the main behavioral characteristics of OCD?

The main behavioral characteristics of OCD include compulsive behaviors such as repeated actions like washing hands, checking things, or arranging items in a specific order. These actions are performed in response to obsessive thoughts to reduce anxiety.

What emotional effects are commonly experienced by individuals with OCD?

Individuals with OCD often experience intense anxiety, distress, and a sense of shame or embarrassment about their compulsions or thoughts. This can lead to emotional discomfort and isolation, especially when they realize their behavior is irrational or socially unacceptable.

What cognitive features are associated with OCD?

The cognitive features of OCD include intrusive and unwanted thoughts or urges that repeatedly enter the mind. While sufferers recognize that these thoughts are irrational, they struggle to control or suppress them.

How does the genetic explanation suggest that OCD is inherited?

The genetic explanation suggests that OCD is inherited through specific genes, making individuals more vulnerable to developing the disorder. Research indicates that relatives of OCD sufferers have a higher risk, with genes affecting dopamine and serotonin regulation being implicated in OCD.

What is the neural explanation for OCD, particularly involving neurotransmitters?

The neural explanation proposes that in OCD, dopamine levels are too high, which leads to increased compulsive behaviors. Conversely, serotonin levels are believed to be too low, contributing to heightened anxiety and intrusive thoughts, as serotonin regulates mood and impulse control.

What is the 'worry circuit' in the context of OCD?

The 'worry circuit' in OCD involves the orbital frontal cortex, which detects potential threats, and the cordate nucleus in the basal ganglia, which filters unnecessary worries. In OCD, the cordate nucleus is faulty, failing to suppress these signals, leading to overactivity in the thalamus and reinforcing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

How does supporting evidence strengthen the genetic explanation of OCD?

Supporting evidence from studies like Neesatital (2010) shows that monozygotic twins have a higher concordance rate for OCD (68%) compared to dizygotic twins (31%), suggesting that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of OCD.

What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about the development of OCD?

The diathesis-stress model suggests that while genetics may create a vulnerability to OCD, environmental stresses such as trauma or life events can trigger the onset of the disorder. This model highlights that biological factors alone cannot fully explain the development of OCD.

What are the limitations of biological explanations for OCD?

One limitation is that biological explanations can be deterministic, suggesting that OCD is caused solely by genetics and neural factors, leaving individuals with little control over their behavior. Additionally, these explanations often overlook the environmental factors that may contribute to the development of OCD.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using SSRIs for treating OCD?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are effective in increasing serotonin levels, helping to reduce symptoms of OCD. However, they may cause side effects like nausea, headaches, and insomnia. While they work faster than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), they only address symptoms, not the underlying causes of OCD.