Biological Treatments for OCD

Question 1

What do SSRIs do in the treatment of OCD?

Answer 1

SSRIs block serotonin reuptake, leading to more serotonin in the synapse, which reduces obsessions and anxiety.

Question 2

What may be prescribed if SSRIs fail or cause side effects?

Answer 2

Benzodiazepines (BZs) may be prescribed.

Question 3

How do Benzodiazepines (BZs) work?

Answer 3

BZs enhance GABA activity, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which calms the nervous system.

Question 4

What is a strength of drug therapy for OCD?

Answer 4

Drug therapy is effective; research shows SSRIs outperform placebos.

Question 5

Why is drug therapy considered accessible and affordable?

Answer 5

It is cheap to produce, easy to prescribe and use, especially helpful for severe cases who can’t attend therapy.

Question 6

What is a limitation of drug therapy?

Answer 6

Side effects such as dizziness and sleep issues may cause dropouts.

Question 7

What is another limitation of drug therapy?

Answer 7

High relapse rates after stopping medications suggest drugs treat symptoms, not causes.

Question 8

What is an advantage of CBT over drug therapy?

Answer 8

CBT has longer-lasting effects and no physical side effects.