OCD: Biological Explanations

Introduction

Common misconceptions about OCD involve focus on behaviors like arranging pens and handwashing.
Aim to understand OCD's origins, focusing on biological explanations.
Biological explanations are divided into genetics and neural explanations.

If a family member has OCD, there's a higher likelihood of development due to genetic inheritance.
Involves predisposition or vulnerability to OCD.
Research focuses on two genes:
- COMT Gene: Regulates dopamine production; mutation linked to OCD.
  - Research by Tukolital (2013): Lower COMT activity related to higher dopamine in OCD patients.
- SERT Gene: Affects serotonin levels; mutation associated with OCD.
  - Research by Ortzachiat (2003): SERT gene mutation found in families with OCD.

Monozygotic (Identical) Twins vs. Dizygotic (Non-identical) Twins.
- Monozygotic twins share 100% DNA; Dizygotic share 50%.
Twin studies show genetic influence:
- Research by Nestad (2010): Monozygotic twins have higher concordance rates for OCD than dizygotic.
- Concordance rates: 68% for monozygotic, 31% for dizygotic.
Indicates genetic involvement but suggests other factors are at play due to non-100% concordance.

Dopamine: High levels linked to compulsive behaviors in OCD.
- Study by K-metal (2007) showed correlation between dopamine level changes and reduced compulsions.
Serotonin: Low levels linked to anxiety and OCD.
- Study by Somro (2009) found serotonin-affecting drugs reduced OCD symptoms.

Focus on the Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC): Part of worry circuit.
- Circuit involves OFC, basal ganglia (caudate nucleus), thalamus.
- Abnormalities in this circuit lead to compulsive behaviors.
- Buick etal (2013): Non-medicated OCD patients showed more OFC activity, correlating with symptom severity.

Practical applications: Understanding leads to treatments like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
- SSRIs used to balance serotonin levels, reducing OCD symptoms.

Deterministic View: Suggests lack of control or free will in managing OCD.
- May contribute to anxiety in sufferers due to perception of inevitability.
Diathesis-Stress Model: Integrates biology and environment.
- Genetics create predisposition; environment (trauma, life events) triggers OCD.
- Chromatal (2007) found 50% of OCD patients had traumatic past events.

Biological explanations provide insights but are complemented by understanding environmental triggers.
Considerations of both genetic and neural factors alongside environmental influences offer a comprehensive view of OCD.

Check out playlists and links for more on psychopathology and mental health support.
Upcoming videos will explore treatment options further.