Biological Etiology

Definition

The biological etiology refers to the underlying biological factors or causes that contribute to a particular disorder or condition. In the context of OCD, it involves investigating the biological mechanisms and processes involved in the development and manifestation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Related terms

Neurotransmitters:

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells. In relation to OCD, abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, have been implicated in its etiology.

Genetics:

The study of genes and heredity. Genetic factors play a significant role in OCD's biological etiology, as certain gene variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder.

Brain Imaging: Techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be used to examine brain structure and activity patterns related to OCD. These imaging methods aid in understanding the neural basis of OCD's biological underpinnings.