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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... 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 focuses on the role of the hypothalamus in regulating hunger and satiety.
When the ventromedial hypothalamus is stimulated by neurotransmitters, it causes the individual to feel full. Conversely, stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus prompts feelings of hunger. In cases of anorexia nervosa, if there is abnormal stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamus, the person may feel less inclined to eat, which exacerbates the disorder.
Research indicates that decreased levels of epinephrine are associated with anorexia, suggesting that neurotransmitter imbalances can lead to reduced appetite and food intake. Specifically, excess serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the ventromedial hypothalamus can induce anxiety, further contributing to the avoidance of eating. Elevated levels of opioids in the brain may also suppress the desire to seek pleasurable activities, including eating.
However, it's important to consider that these biological factors may not act in isolation and could be influenced by genetic predispositions and sociocultural pressures, such as societal ideals regarding body image.
Step 2
Assess one biological explanation for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Answer
A biological explanation for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) highlights the dysfunction in certain neural circuits involving the orbitofrontal cortex and the caudate nucleus. Research suggests that individuals with OCD may have faulty connections between these brain regions.
Specifically, an overactive orbitofrontal cortex leads to heightened awareness of potential threats, prompting compulsive checking behaviors. Changes in the prefrontal cortex's function that neglect responsibilities or fail to manage anxiety contribute to the persistence of OCD symptoms.
Also, neuroimaging studies indicate structural differences in the brain activity of those with OCD, suggesting a biological underpinning to the disorder. Medication, particularly SSRIs, can also modify serotonin levels, providing further evidence of biology's role in OCD.
Step 3
Assess one biological explanation for unipolar depression
Answer
One prominent biological explanation for unipolar depression is the monoamine hypothesis, which posits that low levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin lead to depressive symptoms.
Research shows that depressed individuals often exhibit lower levels of these neurotransmitters, contributing to symptoms such as lack of concentration, fatigue, and feelings of despair. The reuptake mechanism, which recaptures neurotransmitters after they are released, can be hyperactive in depressed individuals, resulting in insufficient levels reaching brain receptors.
Additionally, studies have shown that medications that increase these monamines can alleviate symptoms, supporting the idea of a biological basis for depression. However, this hypothesis must be weighed against psychosocial factors, as individual experiences and environmental stressors can also play a critical role in depression's onset and persistence.