Environmental Theories: Parenting Style

In my report, one of the final theories I discuss is that the style of parenting can affect whether a child develops OCD. This theory explains that the method parents used to bring up their child can affect their personality. If a parent continuously repeats a certain action, their child may 'copy' it and develop OCD.

Environmental factors, although important, are not considered the most important factor by scientists since the majority of patients don't develop OCD as a result of stress, another possible factor, or parenting style. It is more likely that environmental factors can trigger the onset of the disorder in children genetically predisposed to it.

Psychological Theories: Psychodynamic Model

Sigmund Freud
Source

One of the psychological models I explain in my report is the psychodynamic model, which was first proposed by Sigmund Freud. In Freud's opinion, the symptoms of OCD were a result of unconscious discomforts which the child felt earlier on in their life.

Moreover, this model explains that a symbolic meaning could be attributed to the symptoms of OCD, such as what is deemed to be most important, or most feared, by an individual with OCD.

This theory is now believed to be outdated, and other models, such as the cognitive and behavioural models are believed to be better suited to explaining OCD. The reason for many to believe this model is inaccurate is because the therapy revolving around this theory rarely benefits patients. Due to the therapy's failure, until the 1960's, OCD was believed to be untreatable, since it was the only therapy available at that time.

Biological Theories: Brain Activity

ABNORMAL BRAIN ACTIVITY:

When writing my report, one of the first theories of the cause of OCD I wrote about is abnormal brain activity.

Source

This diagram shows the different lobes of the brain. Scientists have revealed that patients with OCD can have hyperactivity in the orbital frontal cortex, found in the frontal love, and the anterior cingulate cortex.

Both these regions are believed to be responsible for personality and behaviour, therefore, it makes sense to infer that an abnormality in these regions leads to a problem with the patient's personality or behaviour, consequently leading to the expression of the symptoms of OCD.

Dr Rapoport's answers!

After receiving my email, Dr Rapoport responded quickly to my questions. Through this, I have learnt more about the similarities and differences between childhood onset OCD and adult OCD.

Firstly, Dr Rapoport has found that symptoms for both are very similar, although children can have more motor rituals, for example specific movements with their hands, than obsessions. Also, children have a similar reaction, generally, to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), however, parents may also have to help during CBT.

In addition to this, the doctor replied that she believes environmental factors aren't likely to cause OCD. However, in response to a traumatic event, for example a break in, people can sometimes develop a single compulsion, such as checking the locks.

I will use Dr Rapoport's replies in my report where suitable in order to support different ideas, along with examples from her book.