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You will have studied one of the following disorders: - anorexia nervosa - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - unipolar depression - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 6
You will have studied one of the following disorders: - anorexia nervosa - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - unipolar depression. Assess one biological explanation f... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:You will have studied one of the following disorders: - anorexia nervosa - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - unipolar depression - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Assess one biological explanation for anorexia nervosa
Answer
One biological explanation for anorexia nervosa is related to the role of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus.
The ventromedial hypothalamus is associated with the feeling of fullness, while the lateral hypothalamus is linked to hunger. Dysregulation in these areas can lead to abnormal eating behaviors. For example, when the ventromedial hypothalamus is stimulated, it encourages the person to feel satisfied; however, abnormalities can cause individuals to continue feeling unsatisfied or not eat at all.
Additionally, high levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the ventromedial hypothalamus have been correlated with decreased appetite, leading to restrictive eating typical of anorexia. Studies have shown that neurobiological factors, such as dopamine levels, are also significant. Increased dopamine has been associated with anxiety rather than pleasure in individuals with anorexia, potentially leading to avoidance of food.
Moreover, factors such as societal pressures and genetic predisposition may interact with these biological underpinnings to influence the disorder's development.
Step 2
Assess one biological explanation for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Answer
One biological explanation for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the involvement of the brain's circuitry, particularly the connection between the orbitofrontal cortex and the thalamus. Research has indicated that individuals with OCD often exhibit dysfunction in this circuit, leading to heightened anxiety and repetitive behaviors.
The orbitofrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making and processing emotions, while the thalamus acts as a relay for sensory information. An overactive connection causes the sufferer to become overly alert to stimuli that increase their anxiety, prompting compulsive behaviors as a coping mechanism.
Furthermore, studies have shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can effectively treat OCD symptoms, highlighting the role of serotonin levels in the disorder. When serotonin levels are artificially manipulated, many afflicted individuals report significant relief from compulsive symptoms, further suggesting that a biological influence aids in the manifestation of OCD.
Step 3
Assess one biological explanation for unipolar depression
Answer
One prominent biological explanation for unipolar depression revolves around the monoamine hypothesis, which posits that a deficiency in monoamines—specifically norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine—contributes to depressive symptoms.
Research has established that individuals diagnosed with depression often display low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to changes in mood, arousal, and motivation. Additionally, the mechanism of action for many antidepressant medications involves increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain. For instance, SSRIs enhance serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake, thus alleviating some depressive symptoms.
Moreover, the effectiveness of antidepressant medications in regulating neurotransmitter levels supports the biological perspective. However, while the monoamine hypothesis provides a framework for understanding the biological underpinnings of unipolar depression, it is essential to recognize that environmental and psychological factors also play crucial roles in the onset and persistence of depressive disorders.