biological approach to treating OCD Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the aim of drug therapy for mental disorders?
To increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain or increase/ decrease their activity
What does standard medical treatment used for OCD symptoms involve?
A particular antidepressant drug - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
What do SSRI’s work on?
The serotonin system in the brain.
What is serotonin released by?
Certain neurons in the brain - in particular released by presynaptic neurons and travels across a synapse.
What does the neurotransmitter chemically convey signals from?
From the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron - it is then reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron where it’s broken down and reused.
By preventing reabsorption and breakdown what do SSRIs increase?
Levels of serotonin in the synapse and thus continues to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron - compensates for whatever is wrong with the serotonin system in OCD.
What do dosage and other advice vary according to?
Which SSRI is prescribed.
What is a typical daily dose of fluoxetine?
20mg but this may be increased if it isn’t benefiting the person.
How is fluoxetine available?
As a capsule or liquid.
How long does it take fluoxetine to have an impact on symptoms?
3-4 months of daily use.
What are drugs often combined with to treat OCD?
CBT.
What do drugs reduce in someone with OCD?
Emotional symptoms e.g. anxiousness or depression which allows people to engage effectively with CBT.
If an SSRI is not effective what can happen?
The dose can be increased or combined with other drugs.
Tricyclics
- E.g. clomipramine.
- Acts on various systems including the serotonin system which has the same effect as SSRIs.
- More severe side effects so it is kept in reserve for people who don’t respond to SSRIs.
SNRIs
- A different class of anti-depressants.
- A second line of defence for those who don’t respond to SSRIs.
- Increase levels of serotonin as well as another neurotransmitter - noradrenaline.
Evaluation: Empirical support
SSRIs are effective in reducing OCD symptoms in many patients. For example one psychologist reviewed 17 studies and found SSRIs to be significantly more effective than placebos in reducing OCD symptoms in the short term.
This supports the validity of using biological treatments for OCD.
Evaluation: Can be used alongside CBT
SSRIs can reduce anxiety, making patients more receptive to engaging in CBT.
This supports a holistic treatment model, combining biological and psychological approaches.
Evaluation: Side effects
SSRIs can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
Tricyclics have even more severe side effects.
This can reduce compliance and overall effectiveness of treatment.
Evaluation: Not a cure only treats symptoms
Drugs like SSRIs do not address the root causes of OCD, only symptoms.
When medication stops, symptoms often return (relapse rates are high).
This suggests it is not a long-term solution for many patients.
