Progress Update!

At the moment, I am more than half way through my report. Currently I am evaluating the theory that glutamate is important in the cause of OCD. I am doing this by comparing different studies done by scientists and then evaluating them in order to conclude whether the results from the study are reliable or unreliable, and therefore whether they support the theory.

Source

This is the structure of Riluzole, a drug which I am evaluating in order to make a conclusion on the significance of glutamate in OCD.





A basic overview of my plan for the report:
I have also realised I have only included a very brief outline of the plan for my project, so I have included it here with more detail.

Introduction

• What is the main aim of the project?
• What is paediatric OCD?
• Why have I chosen this question for my EPQ? (The importance of discovering the cause of an illness)

Overview of the theories

• Biological: Brain activity, Serotonin, Glutamate, PANDAS and Genetics
• Psychological: Psychodynamic, Behavioural and Cognitive models
• Environmental: Stress and Parenting Style

Evaluation, Findings and Discussion

• Outline the findings of my research - studies and investigations consulted
• Evaluate each of the different theories' importance in the cause of OCD by discussing results from studies, evaluating the reliability of sources and comparing sources

Conclusion

• Look at the extent of the findings
• Identify any weaknesses or limitations in the project
• Make recommendations for the future
• Reflect on what went well, what was learnt, how to improve in the future

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.

Questions for Dr Judith Rapoport

In order to support my project, I have emailed Dr Judith Rapoport a few questions. I have asked her what she thinks the main differences are between OCD in adults and children.
Also, I have asked her if she believes that parenting style or stress (environmental factors) could be the cause of OCD.
I have asked her if it could be possible for her to explain how antibodies to Group A beta haemolytic streptococcus could lead to the development of OCD.
Lastly, I asked her which factors she thinks are most significant in the development of OCD.

Hopefully she will be able to answer some of my questions and will reply as soon as possible!

The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing

I have just finished reading this book, and I have found its content extremely useful.

Dr Rapoport presented many fascinating cases, such as a lady who had compulsions to sprinkle her entire flat in sugar. Many of the cases were extremely bizarre, however, they also highlighted to me the variable nature of the symptoms expressed from those with OCD. Furthermore, this book emphasised that the public view on OCD as being a disorder simple about 'neatness' is completely false.

I have also emailed Dr Rapoport asking whether she would still be free to answer a few of my questions via email. Hopefully, she will agree to answering some questions so I intend to write these questions within the next few days. The questions will be primarily based on childhood OCD and the differences present between adult and paediatric OCD. Furthermore, I will ask Dr Rapoport her views on the theories that currently exist to explain the cause of paediatric OCD.