The Biological approach to treating OCD Flashcards
(19 cards)
What does SSRI stand for?
Selective seritonin reuptake inhibitors
What are some common brand names for SSRI’s?
Prozac and sertraline
Are SSRI’s are the first line treatment?
Yes, they are the preferred drug in treating depression related disorders
What is serotonin?
A mood regulating hormone
What levels of serotonin are associated with OCD?
Low levels of serotonin
How do SSRI’s work?
They increase the levels of serotonin
Blocks the reuptake and prevents the serotonin being recycled
What does SNRI stand for?
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitiors
How do SNRI’s work?
Blocks the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline
What is the role of noradrenaline in OCD?
The exact role is unknown but it is provent to link to OCD
Why are SNRIs the seond line treatment?
SNRI’s have worse side effects than SSRIs
What is an example if an anti-anxiety drug?
Benzodiazepines (BZ)
What are comman brand names for SNRI’s?
Clomipramine
What is benzodiazepines used for?
To reduce anxiety
What are common brand names of Benzodiazepines?
Valium and Diazepam
Which neurotransmitter do anti-anxiety drugs work on?
GABA (only transmitter that stops messages)
BZ - increases GABA to reduce messages (less anxiety)
(Ao3) SSRIs and SNRIs
❌unpleasant side effects
SSRIs - indigestion, blurred vision and a loss of sex drive.
SNRIs - erectile dysfunction, tremors and weight gain.
Ashton (1997) drugs of OCD used for no longer than 4 weeks.
(Ao3) Economic and life
✅More cost effective, less disruptive.
SSRI - cheaper than talking therapies.
economic implications on the UK.
Drug therapy is preferred by GP’s
(Ao3) Empirical evidence
✅Soomro et al (2009)
compared SSRI’s to placebos in the treatment of OCD.
SSRI better short term.
Biological treatment effective, on average 70% got better.
❌Limitation to this study - Dont know long term effects.
(Ao3) effectiveness
❌ effectiveness of drug is the concern of publication bias.
Turner (2008) evidence to show a ‘favourable outcome’, publication bias.
Drug companies often sponsor the research - makes them look good - earns them money.
