The biological approach to explaining OCD: genetic and neural explanations
The biological approach argues that OCD runs in families due to inherited genes. It also links OCD to abnormal activity in specific brain circuits and low serotonin levels.
Real World
Nestadt et al. (2010) found that first-degree relatives of OCD patients are five times more likely to develop the disorder themselves. Brain scans of OCD sufferers consistently show heightened activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus compared to controls.
Exam Focus
Always name specific candidate genes (e.g. SERT, COMT) and brain structures (e.g. caudate nucleus) to access top-band marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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