Treatments for OCD

Question 1

What is OCD caused by (in terms of SSRIs)?

Answer 1

Low serotonin functioning

Question 2

How do SSRI’s help people suffering with OCD?

Answer 2

Increase serotinin functioning

Question 3

How doo SSRI’s increase serotonin functioning?

Answer 3

Preventing the presynaptic neuron from reabsorbing serotonin
This increases serotonin levels in the synapse
Serotonin can continue to stimulate the post synaptic receptor sites, meaning serotonin functioning has increased

Question 4

How long does it take for SSRI’s to work?

Answer 4

3-4 months of daily use to have a noticeable impact on systems

Question 5

What is the dosage for SSRI’s?

Answer 5

Depends on the specific SSRI

Fluxetine dosage starts at 20mg

Question 6

What are the alternatives to SSRI’s?

Answer 6

If after 3-4 months, SSRI’s are not effective, different doses can be tried or other anti-depressant drugs can be tried
Tricyclics have same effect on serotonin system but have increased side effects
Therefore only tried if SSRIs haven’t been effective
SNRI’s increase noradrenalin as well as serotonin functioning