4.5: The biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks)

Answer 1

In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels

Question 2

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
What are low levels of serotonin associated with?

Answer 2

Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions

Question 3

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so what do OCD drug treatments mainly do?

Answer 3

Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system

Question 4

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
What are used to treat OCD?

Answer 4

Antidepressants are used to treat OCD​

Question 5

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as what?

Answer 5

Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs​

Question 6

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which do what?

Answer 6

Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels

Question 7

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
What are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties?

Answer 7

Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties

Question 8

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
What have also proven useful in treating OCD?

Answer 8

Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD​

Question 9

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but what?

Answer 9

Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects

Question 10

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
What are an older type of antidepressant?​

Answer 10

Tricyclics are an older type of antidepressant​

Question 11

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as what, are an older type of antidepressant?

Answer 11

Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant​

Question 12

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and what?

Answer 12

Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs

Question 13

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
What is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs?​

Answer 13

Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs

Question 14

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, why?

Answer 14

Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs​

Question 15

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

First AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 15

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD​

Question 16

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
Example

Answer 16

For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects​

Question 17

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
What does this suggest?

Answer 17

This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective​

Question 18

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
What does it also suggest?

Answer 18

It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD​

Question 19

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

Second AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 19

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable​

Question 20

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although what?

Answer 20

Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term​

Question 21

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, what?

Answer 21

Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached​

Question 22

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, what?

Answer 22

For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased​

Question 23

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
Example

Answer 23

For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre)​

Question 24

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
What does this suggest?

Answer 24

This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD​

Question 25

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

Third AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 25

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD

Question 26

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
Why is this?

Answer 26

This is because drugs are cost-effective

Question 27

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to what?

Answer 27

This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments

Question 28

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments.
Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore what?

Answer 28

Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system

Question 29

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments.
Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system, like what?

Answer 29

Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system, like the NHS

Question 30

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments.
Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system, like the NHS.
As compared to psychological therapies, what?

Answer 30

As compared to psychological therapies, SSRIs are also non-disruptive to patients’ lives

Question 31

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments.
Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system, like the NHS.
As compared to psychological therapies, SSRIs are also non-disruptive to patients’ lives.
Example

Answer 31

For example, if you wish, you can simply take drugs until your symptoms decline and not engage with the hard work of psychological therapy

Question 32

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments.
Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system, like the NHS.
As compared to psychological therapies, SSRIs are also non-disruptive to patients’ lives.
For example, if you wish, you can simply take drugs until your symptoms decline and not engage with the hard work of psychological therapy, hence why what?

Answer 32

For example, if you wish, you can simply take drugs until your symptoms decline and not engage with the hard work of psychological therapy, hence why many doctors and patients like drug treatments

Question 33

Discuss the biological approach to treating OCD (16 marks)/Outline and evaluate drug therapy as a means of treating OCD (16 marks).
In the case of psychological disorders, drug therapy usually affects neurotransmitter levels.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with both obsessions and compulsions, so OCD drug treatments mainly target (select) the serotonin re-uptake system.
Antidepressants are used to treat OCD, such as SSRIs, which elevate levels of serotonin and cause the orbital frontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
Anxiolytic drugs are also used due to their anxiety-lowering properties.
Antipsychotic drugs that have a dopamine lowering effect have also proven useful in treating OCD, but they are only generally given when treatment when SSRIs hasn’t proved effective or incurs serious side effects.
Tricyclics, such as clomipramine, are an older type of antidepressant and they have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs.
Clomipramine is generally kept in reserve for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, because it has more severe side effects than SSRIs.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that there is research support for the biological approach to treating OCD/drug therapy as a means of treating OCD.
For example, Pigott and Seay reviewed studies testing the effectiveness of drug therapies, finding SSRIs to be consistently effective in reducing OCD symptoms.​
While the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine proved slightly more effective, it had more serious side effects.
This suggests that SSRIs should be given as a first attempt drug treatment and that clomipramine should only be used when SSRIs have not proven effective.
It also suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, the research for drug treatments is unreliable.
Although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side effects will probably be short term, like all drug treatments they have some controversy attached.
For instance, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased.
For example, some psychologists believe that the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased, because the research is sponsored by drug companies, who do not report all the evidence (Goldacre).
This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is not valid/drug therapy is not effective as a means of treating OCD.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that drug therapy is more effective than other treatments for OCD.
This is because drugs are cost-effective, compared to psychological treatments.
Using drugs to treat OCD is therefore good value for a public health system, like the NHS.
As compared to psychological therapies, SSRIs are also non-disruptive to patients’ lives.
For example, if you wish, you can simply take drugs until your symptoms decline and not engage with the hard work of psychological therapy, hence why many doctors and patients like drug treatments.
What does this suggest?

Answer 33

This suggests that the biological approach to treating OCD is valid/drug therapy is effective as a means of treating OCD