explain the biological approach for treating OCD

Question 1

what does SSRI’s do and what do they stand for?

Answer 1

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• a drug therapy that increases the level of serotonin by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at neurotransmitters increasing it availability

Question 2

what does serotonin do?

Answer 2

• better mood
• reduces obsessive thoughts
• and compulsive behaviours

Question 3

how long does it take?

Answer 3

• 3-4 months

Question 4

how is it most effective?

Answer 4

combined w/ CBT

Question 5

what did soomro et el find when reviewing 17 studies comparing SSRIs and placebos?

Answer 5

• SSRIs are significantly more effective especially when combined with CBT

Question 6

What’s strength of drug treatments?

Answer 6

• they are cost effective and non disruptive to daily life

Question 7

what’s a limitation to drug treatments?

Answer 7

• they have negative side effects such as nausea , headaches and insomnia

Question 8

what’s a limitation to having drug treatments instead of therapy?

Answer 8

• its not a long term solution
• may cause an over reliance on drugs
• there are high relapse rates when medication gets stopped