The biological approach to treating OCD Flashcards
(12 cards)
Antidepressants: SSRIs
SSRIs are commonly used to treat depression and OCD. They increase serotonin levels, which are often low in individuals with these disorders. For example, Prozac is an SSRI used for both depression and OCD.
What does low levels of serotonin implicate?
Low levels of serotonin are implicated in the ‘worry circuit’ associated with OCD. Increasing serotonin levels may help normalize this circuit and reduce symptoms of OCD.
What are antidepressants used for? (Choy and Schneier, 2008)
Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are used to reduce anxiety associated with OCD. Choy and Schneier (2008) found that SSRIs are the preferred drug for treating anxiety disorders.
Antidepressants: Tricyclics
Tricyclic antidepressants were the first to be used for OCD and are still primarily used for OCD rather than depression. They block the transporter mechanism that reabsorbs serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre-synaptic cell after firing. An example is Anfranil.
Advantage of Tricyclics
Tricyclics have the advantage of targeting more than one neurotransmitter, making them potentially more effective in treating OCD symptoms.
Anti-anxiety drugs: Benzodiazepines (BZs)
Benzodiazepines (BZs) are commonly used to reduce anxiety. They enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down the central nervous system by making neurons less likely to fire, resulting in a calming effect.
Other drugs
D-cycloserine, an antibiotic used in tuberculosis treatment, has shown promise in reducing anxiety and may be effective in treating OCD, especially when used alongside psychotherapy. Kushner et al. (2007) found that D-cycloserine enhances GABA transmission and reduces anxiety.
Effectiveness of Drug Treatments (Soomro et al., 2008)
There is significant evidence for the effectiveness of drug treatments for OCD. Soomro et al. (2008) reviewed 17 studies of SSRIs and found them more effective than placebos in reducing OCD symptoms up to 3 months. However, the lack of long-term data is a limitation.
Drug therapies are preferred to other treatments (Strength)
Drug therapies are favored for their minimal input requirements compared to CBT, which requires patient and therapist cooperation. Additionally, drug therapies are more economical for health services, as they cost less and require minimal monitoring.
Drug Treatments and Lasting Cure (Limitation) (Mania et al., 2001; Koran et al., 2007)
Mania et al. (2001) found that patients relapse within a few weeks if medication is stopped. Koran et al. (2007) suggest that CBT should be tried first, as drug therapy does not provide a long-lasting cure.
Side effects (Limitation)
One weakness of drug treatments for OCD is the possible side effects. SSRIs may cause mild effects like indigestion, but more serious side effects can include hallucinations and erection problems. These side effects may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, as patients may be less likely to take the medication.
What AO3 Are You Using for the Biological Approach for Treating OCD?
Strengths: Effectiveness (Soomro et al.), Drug therapies are preferred to other treatments. Weaknesses: No lasting cure (Mania et al., 2001; Koran et al., 2007), Side effects (e.g., high blood pressure and erection problems).
