Discuss biological explanations for OCD - (16 marks)
One explanation for the biological approach is the genetic explanation. Researchers have
found that genes are involved in a person's individual vulnerability. Lewis (1936) found that
in his OCD patients that 37% of sufferers had parents with OCD and 21% had siblings with
the condition, therefore demonstrating that vulnerability to developing OCD runs in
families- its genetic. Therefore, his research suggests that OCD runs in the family and you
are more likely to have OCD if multiple people in your family do, although it's not 100% that
you'll get OCD if you're in a family where OCD is common. Twin studies can further help
provide research support for the genetic explanation of OCD in the family. Nestadt et al
(2010) looked into previous twin studies and found 68% of identical twins shared OCD as
opposed to 31% of non-identical twins. This also strongly suggests there are genetic factors
to OCD.
Another explanation for the biological approach is that OCD is polygenic. This means that
OCD is not caused by one single gene but that several genes are involved. Taylor (2013)
found that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD. Genes that have been
associated with OCD and controlling dopamine, serotonin and neurotransmitters. This
suggests that multiple genes may determine if someone will have OCD.
However, a weakness of the biological explanation is that there may be other factors not
accounted for, environmental factors can also trigger or increase the risk of developing OCD.
Cromer et al (2007) found that over half of OCD patients in their research had a traumatic
event in their past. Also, those who had more than trauma also had more severe OCD.
Suggesting the role of the environment in developing OCD should not be overlooked for an
explanation for OCD.
Further issues about the biological explanation for OCD come from twin studies as they may
be incorrect due to the assumption that MZ twins are only identical in their genes. The
results of Nestadt’s study may be due to their similar environments and treatment. Parents,
teachers and friends may treat MZ twins more similarly than DZ twins. Experiences in life
determine if OCD may happen not just someone's genes because if one twin has OCD it
doesn't mean the other will .Therefore the role of the environment is greater than genetics
thus undermining the biological explanation.
Also, another explanation that the biological explanation doesn't consider is someone
having comorbidity. Many people who suffer with OCD become depressed, depression
causes a disruption in the serotonin system- the low levels of serotonin affect someone's
mood. Therefore some people may have OCD due to the lack of serotonin because they are
depressed. Multiple disorders may cause OCD.
One explanation for the biological approach is the genetic explanation. Researchers have
found that genes are involved in a person's individual vulnerability. Lewis (1936) found that
in his OCD patients that 37% of sufferers had parents with OCD and 21% had siblings with
the condition, therefore demonstrating that vulnerability to developing OCD runs in
families- its genetic. Therefore, his research suggests that OCD runs in the family and you
are more likely to have OCD if multiple people in your family do, although it's not 100% that
you'll get OCD if you're in a family where OCD is common. Twin studies can further help
provide research support for the genetic explanation of OCD in the family. Nestadt et al
(2010) looked into previous twin studies and found 68% of identical twins shared OCD as
opposed to 31% of non-identical twins. This also strongly suggests there are genetic factors
to OCD.
Another explanation for the biological approach is that OCD is polygenic. This means that
OCD is not caused by one single gene but that several genes are involved. Taylor (2013)
found that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD. Genes that have been
associated with OCD and controlling dopamine, serotonin and neurotransmitters. This
suggests that multiple genes may determine if someone will have OCD.
However, a weakness of the biological explanation is that there may be other factors not
accounted for, environmental factors can also trigger or increase the risk of developing OCD.
Cromer et al (2007) found that over half of OCD patients in their research had a traumatic
event in their past. Also, those who had more than trauma also had more severe OCD.
Suggesting the role of the environment in developing OCD should not be overlooked for an
explanation for OCD.
Further issues about the biological explanation for OCD come from twin studies as they may
be incorrect due to the assumption that MZ twins are only identical in their genes. The
results of Nestadt’s study may be due to their similar environments and treatment. Parents,
teachers and friends may treat MZ twins more similarly than DZ twins. Experiences in life
determine if OCD may happen not just someone's genes because if one twin has OCD it
doesn't mean the other will .Therefore the role of the environment is greater than genetics
thus undermining the biological explanation.
Also, another explanation that the biological explanation doesn't consider is someone
having comorbidity. Many people who suffer with OCD become depressed, depression
causes a disruption in the serotonin system- the low levels of serotonin affect someone's
mood. Therefore some people may have OCD due to the lack of serotonin because they are
depressed. Multiple disorders may cause OCD.
