Genetic Explanations
Individuals inherit specific genes from their parents that are related to OCD.
| COMT variation | Higher levels of dopamine |
|---|---|
| SERT mutation | Lower levels of serotonin |
COMT Gene
- Regulates the production of dopamine
- Neurotransmitter linked to OCD
- All genes com in different forms (alleles)
- One form of COMT has been found to be more common in OCD patients than those without OCD
- Variation produces higher levels of dopamine
SERT Gene
- Affects the transport of the neurotransmitter serotonin
- A mutation in the gene leads to lower amounts of serotonin
- Lower levels of serotonin are associated with OCD
- One study found a mutation of this gene in two unrelated family where 6 of 7 members had OCD
Diathesis-stress
- Unlikely there is a simple link between a specific gene and a complex disorder like OCD
- Genes like SERT are linked to a number of other disorders
- Diathesis-stress model suggests that each individual gene only creates a vulnerability for OCD, as well as many other conditions
- Other factors determine whether any mental illness develops as a result of this gene
- Therefore, some people could possess the COMT or SERT gene variations but not suffer from mental illness
Info
Written like A03. Would be criticism.
Neural Explanation
Abnormal Levels of Neurotransmitters
- Characteristic: dopamine levels abnormally high in people with OCD
- Characteristic: serotonin levels abnormally low in people with OCD
Decision Making Systems
Some OCD cases are linked to impairments on the lateral (sides) on the frontal lobes of the brain.