Explanations of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Need to know

What you need to know

• Evidence from twin studies shows higher concordance rates for OCD in monozygotic (MZ) twins than dizygotic (DZ) twins.
• Candidate genes like SERT (serotonin transporter) and COMT (dopamine regulation) are implicated.
• OCD is polygenic, meaning several genes contribute to a person's vulnerability.
• The diathesis-stress model suggests genes create a predisposition, with environmental factors acting as a trigger.

Explanation

Explanations of obsessive-compulsive disorder

1. Evidence from twin studies shows higher concordance rates for OCD in monozygotic (MZ) twins than dizygotic (DZ) twins.
2. Candidate genes like SERT (serotonin transporter) and COMT (dopamine regulation) are implicated.
3. OCD is polygenic, meaning several genes contribute to a person's vulnerability.
4. The diathesis-stress model suggests genes create a predisposition, with environmental factors acting as a trigger.