Outline and Evaluate the Biological Approach to Explaining OCD PDF

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SHORT ESSAY ON OCD...

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Outline and Evaluate the Biological Approach to Explaining OCD OCD can be explained genetically through the use of candidate genes. These are specifically responsible for the onset of the disorder. However, it is believed that it is polygenic; several genes are involved. The COMT gene is one of these. This regulates dopamine. A variation of this gene can lead to higher levels of the neurotransmitter, which is a common finding in patients with OCD. The SERT gene is also involved. This is linked to serotonin and affects the transport of the neurotransmitter. Issues with the gene can leads to low levels of serotonin in the brain. OCD can also be explained through the brain structure. The caudate nucleus and orbitofrontal cortex may have abnormal brain circuits which lead to the development of OCD like symptoms. The approach is supported by a wealth of evidence from family studies. Lewis examined patients with OCD and found that 37% of those with OCD had parents with the disorder and 21% had siblings with it. This suggests the illness may be passed genetically. Furthermore, Nestadt said individuals with a first degree relative with the disorder are five times more likely to develop it, over their lifetime, compared to members of the general population without the genetic link. This provides evidence of a genetic role in OCD but does not rule out other factors playing a role. Despite this, the theory is limited by the issues understanding neural mechanisms involved in OCD. Besides the evidence suggesting abnormal brain function in the caudate nucleus and orbitofrontal cortex, research has also shown other areas to be involved at times. This suggests there is not one area of the brain which consistently plays a role in OCD. Thus, implying there is not a causal link between the disorder and neurotransmitters, and brain structures, as it is difficult to show they are a cause of OCD, or a result of it. The biological approach is limited as there are too many candidate genes; evidence suggests over 230 candidate genes individually contribute to OCD, posing a practical issue surrounding the assessment of their influence. The difficulty means professionals are unable to identify which genes drug treatments should target, resulting in the suggestion that the explanation has little real-life application, and limited predictive value in the future. Furthermore, the approach is highly reductionist due to its focus on biology. It suggests that the presence of a gene or particular hormone means an individual is predetermined to develop OCD. This raises issues as it can be seen as too simplistic, ignoring the role of other factors such as stressors, learning and childhood trauma, which are highlighted by other evidence....