P: Biological Treatments for OCD

Question 1

Obsessions

Compulsions

Answer 1

Cognitive internal thoughts

External actions

Question 2

Most common treatment for OCD
(Gava et al 2007)

Answer 2

Drug therapy - change levels of neurotransmitters
Based on assumption that a biochemical imbalance causing abnormality

Question 3

When neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap not all of it attaches to receptor sites on receiving neuron

Remaining neurotransmitters are removed to allow synapses to return to normal state

Answer 3

In two ways:
Pumped back into synaptic neuron by reuptake pump into the synapse
Broken down into different substances be an enzyme

Question 4

SSRI’s

Answer 4

Selective serotonin reiotake inhibitors

Block re uptake pump into the synapse Broken down
Reducing rate of re absorption
Increasing serotonin levels be allowing more serotonin to attach to receptors

Question 5

Tricyclics

Answer 5

Block transporter that reabsorber serotonin and noradrenaline in to
more synaptic cells after it has fired
More neuron transmitters left in the synapse

Question 6

Benzodiazepines

Answer 6

Enhance action if GABS neurotransmitter
Tells neurons in the brain to slow down and stop firing

Question 8

Evaluation of drug therapy

Answer 8

Require little time
Non disruptive
Cheap compared to therapy

Short term
Side effects