Genetic & Neural explanations

What does the biological approach emphasise in understanding mental disorders?

• Importance of environmental factors

• Importance of physical processes like genetic inheritance

• Importance of cultural influences

• Importance of personal experiences

What does the diathesis-stress model suggest is necessary to trigger a mental disorder?

• Genetic certainty

• Environmental stress

• Complete genetic inheritance

• Lack of stress

What does it mean when OCD is described as a polygenic condition?

• It is caused by a single gene.

• It is caused by environmental factors only.

• It is caused by a combination of genetic variations.

• It is not related to genetics at all.

How many different genes may be involved in OCD according to Taylor (2013)?

• 100

• 230

• 50

• 10

What effect does a variation in the COMT gene have on dopamine levels?

• Decreases dopamine levels

• Increases dopamine levels

• Has no effect on dopamine levels

• Completely stops dopamine production

What is the effect of the SERT gene variation on serotonin levels?

• Increases serotonin levels

• Completely stops serotonin production

• Has no effect on serotonin levels

• Decreases serotonin levels

What role does dopamine play in OCD?

• It is linked to compulsions due to higher levels

• It decreases anxiety levels

• It improves memory function

• It enhances physical coordination

How does serotonin affect mood and OCD?

• Lower levels are associated with mood disorders and OCD

• Higher levels cause increased anxiety

• It has no effect on mood

• It only affects physical health

Which two brain regions are implicated in OCD?

• Thalamus and hypothalamus

• Hippocampus and amygdala

• Basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex

• Cerebellum and medulla

What role does the basal ganglia play in relation to OCD?

• It is involved in the coordination of movement and can lead to OCD-like symptoms if injured.

• It processes sensory information into thoughts and actions.

• It regulates emotions and mood.

• It controls memory and learning.