AQA - Biological Approach to OCD
Questions and Answers Already Passed
What evidence supports the genetic basis of OCD?
✔✔Family and twin studies show a higher concordance rate for OCD among first-degree
relatives and identical twins, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.
How do abnormalities in brain structure contribute to OCD according to the biological approach?
✔✔Abnormalities in brain regions like the orbitofrontal cortex and the basal ganglia are believed
to contribute to the repetitive thoughts and behaviors seen in OCD, as these areas are involved in
decision-making and habit formation.
Why are serotonin levels significant in understanding OCD from a biological perspective?
✔✔Low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD, as this neurotransmitter plays a crucial
role in regulating mood and anxiety; medications that increase serotonin levels often reduce
OCD symptoms.
1
, How does the biological approach explain the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating OCD?
✔✔SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain, which helps to alleviate the anxiety
and intrusive thoughts associated with OCD, supporting the role of serotonin imbalance in the
disorder.
What role do neural circuits play in the biological understanding of OCD?
✔✔Disruptions in neural circuits that involve communication between the orbitofrontal cortex,
the thalamus, and the basal ganglia are thought to underlie the repetitive behaviors and obsessive
thoughts characteristic of OCD.
How can brain imaging studies contribute to the biological approach to OCD?
✔✔Brain imaging studies can reveal abnormalities in brain activity and structure in individuals
with OCD, providing visual evidence of the biological factors involved in the disorder.
describe the three cognitive, behavioural and emotional symptoms associated with OCD
✔✔obsessions (persistent intrusive thoughts), compulsions and feelings of guilt and anxiety
2
Questions and Answers Already Passed
What evidence supports the genetic basis of OCD?
✔✔Family and twin studies show a higher concordance rate for OCD among first-degree
relatives and identical twins, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.
How do abnormalities in brain structure contribute to OCD according to the biological approach?
✔✔Abnormalities in brain regions like the orbitofrontal cortex and the basal ganglia are believed
to contribute to the repetitive thoughts and behaviors seen in OCD, as these areas are involved in
decision-making and habit formation.
Why are serotonin levels significant in understanding OCD from a biological perspective?
✔✔Low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD, as this neurotransmitter plays a crucial
role in regulating mood and anxiety; medications that increase serotonin levels often reduce
OCD symptoms.
1
, How does the biological approach explain the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating OCD?
✔✔SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain, which helps to alleviate the anxiety
and intrusive thoughts associated with OCD, supporting the role of serotonin imbalance in the
disorder.
What role do neural circuits play in the biological understanding of OCD?
✔✔Disruptions in neural circuits that involve communication between the orbitofrontal cortex,
the thalamus, and the basal ganglia are thought to underlie the repetitive behaviors and obsessive
thoughts characteristic of OCD.
How can brain imaging studies contribute to the biological approach to OCD?
✔✔Brain imaging studies can reveal abnormalities in brain activity and structure in individuals
with OCD, providing visual evidence of the biological factors involved in the disorder.
describe the three cognitive, behavioural and emotional symptoms associated with OCD
✔✔obsessions (persistent intrusive thoughts), compulsions and feelings of guilt and anxiety
2
