Biological Approach To Treating OCD

Question 1

What is a biological approach to treating ocd

Answer 1

Drug therapy
-for mental disorders aims to incr/decr levels of neurotransmitters in brain
-drugs to treat OCD work in numerous ways to incr levels of serotonin in brain

Question 2

How do SSRIs work in treatment for OCD

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
-work on serotonin system
-normally, serotonin released by presynaptic neuron , travel across synapse
-chemically conveys signal from presynaptic neuron to postsynaptic + then is reabsorbed by presynaptic where is broken down and reused
-SSRIs prevent reabsorption + breakdown of serotonin to increase levels in synapse
-postsynaptic continues to be stimulated + compensates for what’s up w serotonin system
-typical dose daily = 20mg
-capsule/liquid
-3/4 months daily use to impact on symptoms

Question 3

Combining SSRIs with other treatments

Answer 3

-Often alongside CBT
-drugs reduce persons emotional symptoms so those w OCD can engage more w CBT
-or some benefit more from other drugs - fluoxetine

Question 4

Alternatives to SSRIs

Answer 4

-if SSRIs = x effective after 3/4 months , dose can be increased (60mg) or combined w other drugs

-Tricyclics - older from antidepressant such as clomipramine . Act on serotonin system but has more side effects than SSRIs

-SNRIs (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) - incr levels of serotonin + noradrenaline

These used if SSRIs X work

Question 5

Whats a strength of drug therapy

Answer 5

Evidence for effectiveness
Clear that SSRIs decr symptom severity + improve life quality
Eg Soomro et al reviewed 17studies comparing SSRIs to placebos in treating OCD
All studies - significantly better outcomes for SSRIs than placebo
Typically reduce for 70% ppl taking SSRIs
30% can be helped w alternative or combos + therapies
Drugs = helpful for those w OCD

Question 6

Whats the counterpoint for evidence of effectiveness of drug therapy

Answer 6

Even if = helpful , X most effective available
Skapinakis et al carried out systematic review of outcome studies + concluded both cog + behavioural (exposure) therapies = more effective than SSRIs in treating OCD
Means drugs X optimum treatment

Question 7

Whats a further strength of drug therapy in treating OCD

Answer 7

Cost-effective + non-disruptive compared to psychological treatments as doses can be manufactured in time it takes for 1 session of therapy
Good value to NHS + good use of limited funds
SSRIs=non-disruptive
- take it til symptoms reduce, dif from psychological therapy which involves time spent attending therapy sessions
Drugs = popular w OCD

Question 8

Whats a limitation of drug therapy in treating OCD

Answer 8

Can have serious side effects
Small minority = no benefit
Some get severe side effects: indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive
Usually temporary side effects but can be distressing as can be long-lasting
Those on tricyclics=side effects =worse + more common
1/10 - weight gain + erectile issues
1/100 - more aggressive + heart issues
Therefore some ppl have reduced life quality + stop taking the drugs, so they cease to be effective