Treating OCD AO3

Question 1

✅ Why is drug therapy considered cost-effective for treating OCD?

Answer 1

Drug therapy requires minimal input from the patient, as they do not need to attend regular therapy sessions. This makes it less time-consuming and more economical for health services, as there is no need to hire therapists.

Question 2

✅ How do SSRIs benefit patients’ lifestyles despite not providing a complete cure for OCD?

Answer 2

Julien et al. (2007) found that SSRIs significantly reduce symptoms for 50-80% of OCD patients, allowing them to maintain a more normal lifestyle even though the symptoms may not completely disappear.

Question 3

❌ How can publication bias affect our understanding of the effectiveness of drug therapy for OCD?

Answer 3

Turner et al. (2008) found that studies showing positive results for drug treatments were more likely to be published, leading to an exaggerated view of their effectiveness. This can mislead medical professionals.

Question 4

❌ What is the problem with assuming that drugs alone can treat OCD effectively?

Answer 4

Although drugs can reduce symptoms, they do not address the underlying causes of OCD, which may require psychotherapy for long-term improvement. This suggests that a combined approach may be more effective.