treating OCD: biological approach Flashcards
What is the aim of drug therapy for mental disorders?
“To increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.”
What neurotransmitter is often associated with OCD?
“Serotonin.”
What is the standard medical treatment for OCD symptoms?
“SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).”
How do SSRIs work in the brain?
“They work on the serotonin system, increasing serotonin levels in the synapse.”
How do SSRIs increase serotonin levels?
“By preventing the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin.”
What is a typical daily dose of fluoxetine (Prozac)?
“20 mg, but it may be increased if not benefitting the person.”
How long does it take for SSRIs to impact symptoms?
“Three to four months of daily use.”
What other treatment is often combined with SSRIs for OCD?
“Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).”
How do drugs help with CBT?
“They reduce emotional symptoms, making people more effective in CBT.”
What are alternatives to SSRIs?
“Increasing the dose, combining with other drugs, or trying different antidepressants like tricyclics or SNRIs.”
When are tricyclics like clomipramine used?
“When people don’t respond to SSRIs, but they have more severe side effects.”
What are SNRIs?
“Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, used when people don’t respond to SSRIs.”
What is a strength of drug treatment for OCD regarding evidence?
“There is good evidence for its effectiveness.”
What did studies show about SSRIs and OCD?
“SSRIs reduce symptom severity and improve the quality of life.”
What percentage of people taking SSRIs see symptom reduction?
“Around 70%.”
What therapies may be more effective than SSRIs?
“Cognitive and behavioural (exposure) therapies.”
What is a cost benefit of drug treatments for psychological disorders?
“They are cheap compared to psychological treatments.”
What is the impact of taking SSRIs on daily life?
“It is non-disruptive to people’s lives.”
What are some common side effects of SSRIs?
“Indigestion, blurred vision, and loss of sex drive.”
What are the side effects of tricyclic clomipramine?
“More common and serious side effects, such as erection problems and weight gain.”
How effective are drugs for OCD?
“Drugs appear to be helpful for most people with OCD.”
What do SNRIs increase?
“Levels of serotonin and noradrenaline.”
What is one limitation of drug treatments for OCD?
“They can have potentially serious side-effects.”
Give an example of a more serious side effect from taking the tricyclic clomipramine
“1 in 10 people experience erection problems and weight gain, 1 in 100 become aggressive and experience heart-related problems.”
