4.5: The biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks)

Answer 1

The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct

Question 2

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks).
The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, why?

Answer 2

The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition

Question 3

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks).
The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition, which indicates what?

Answer 3

The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition, which indicates it might be genetically transmitted

Question 4

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks).
The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition, which indicates it might be genetically transmitted.
What might also be apt?

Answer 4

The neural explanation might also be apt

Question 5

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks).
The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition, which indicates it might be genetically transmitted.
The neural explanation might also be apt, why?

Answer 5

The neural explanation might also be apt, as Roscoe’s throat infection might be linked to a breakdown in his immune system functioning that led to damage in neural mechanisms

Question 6

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks).
The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition, which indicates it might be genetically transmitted.
The neural explanation might also be apt, as Roscoe’s throat infection might be linked to a breakdown in his immune system functioning that led to damage in neural mechanisms, which in turn did what?

Answer 6

The neural explanation might also be apt, as Roscoe’s throat infection might be linked to a breakdown in his immune system functioning that led to damage in neural mechanisms, which in turn triggered the disorder

Question 7

Just after his tenth birthday, Roscoe developed a nasty throat infection and a few weeks alter he started to have persistent thoughts about being infected by germs, which caused him a lot of anxiety. He began repetitively washing his hands many times a day. He was diagnosed as suffering from OCD, a condition several members of his family have had. However, since he has began taking medication that increases the level of serotonin in his brain, his symptoms have decreased.

Referring to the situation above, show how genetic and neural explanations may account for Roscoe’s OCD (4 marks).
The genetic explanation for Roscoe’s OCD may be correct, as several members of his family have had the condition, which indicates it might be genetically transmitted.
The neural explanation might also be apt, as Roscoe’s throat infection might be linked to a breakdown in his immune system functioning that led to damage in neural mechanisms, which in turn triggered the disorder.
What fact also suggests a neural explanation?

Answer 7

The fact that medication that increases serotonin levels in Roscoe’s brain has led to a decrease in symptoms also suggests a neural explanation

Question 8

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD.

Identify one limitation of drug therapy (4 marks)

Answer 8

One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs

Question 9

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD.
Identify one limitation of drug therapy (4 marks).
One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs, for example what?

Answer 9

One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs, for example fluoxetine

Question 10

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD.
Identify one limitation of drug therapy (4 marks).
One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs, for example fluoxetine.
What do they act to do?

Answer 10

They act to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain

Question 11

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD.
Identify one limitation of drug therapy (4 marks).
One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs, for example fluoxetine.
They act to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, enabling what?

Answer 11

They act to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, enabling the serotonin to remain active at the synapse

Question 12

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD.
Identify one limitation of drug therapy (4 marks).
One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs, for example fluoxetine.
They act to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, enabling the serotonin to remain active at the synapse, where what?

Answer 12

They act to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, enabling the serotonin to remain active at the synapse, where it continues to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron

Question 13

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD.
Identify one limitation of drug therapy (4 marks).
One drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD is the use of SSRIs, for example fluoxetine.
They act to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, enabling the serotonin to remain active at the synapse, where it continues to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron.

One limitation of drug therapy

Answer 13

One limitation of drug therapy is side effects

Question 14

Identify four limitations of drug therapy (4 marks)

Answer 14

Four limitations of drug therapy are:

1. Side effects
2. The patient is a passive recipient of treatment
3. The patient may become dependent on the drugs
4. Other treatments are more effective

Question 15

Identify four limitations of drug therapy (4 marks).
Four limitations of drug therapy are side effects, the patient is a passive recipient of treatment, the patient may become dependent on the drugs and other treatments are more effective, like what?

Answer 15

Four limitations of drug therapy are:

1. Side effects
2. The patient is a passive recipient of treatment
3. The patient may become dependent on the drugs
4. Other treatments are more effective, like psychosurgery

Question 16

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks)

Answer 16

Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain

Question 17

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
What is the general purpose?

Answer 17

The general purpose is to:

1. Decrease anxiety
2. Lower arousal
3. Lower blood pressure or heart rate

Question 18

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
What do tricyclics do?

Answer 18

Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline

Question 19

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, doing what?

Answer 19

Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity

Question 20

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
What do anti-anxiety drugs do?

Answer 20

Anti-anxiety drugs enhance the activity of GABA

Question 21

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
Anti-anxiety drugs, such as what, enhance the activity of GABA?

Answer 21

Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA

Question 22

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA and therefore do what?

Answer 22

Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA and therefore slow down the CNS

Question 23

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA and therefore slow down the CNS, doing what?

Answer 23

Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA and therefore slow down the CNS, causing relaxation

Question 24

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA and therefore slow down the CNS, causing relaxation.
What are more recent drugs that also increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline?

Answer 24

SNRIs are more recent drugs that also increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline

Question 25

Outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4 marks).
Drug therapy attempts to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
The general purpose is to decrease anxiety, lower arousal and lower blood pressure or heart rate.
Tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the activity of GABA and therefore slow down the CNS, causing relaxation.
SNRIs are more recent drugs that also increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline and are tolerated by who?

Answer 25

SNRIs are more recent drugs that also increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline and are tolerated by those for whom SSRIs are not effective

Question 26

Two different drug therapies were tested on a group of patients. All the patients suffered with the same anxiety disorder. Half the patients were given Therapy A and the other half were given Therapy B. Improvement was assessed on a scale from 0-25, where 0 = no improvement.

For therapy A, the average was 6.5 and the range was 2 - 19.
For therapy B, the average was 6 and the range was 4 - 9.

Explain what these findings suggest about the different therapies (4 marks)

Answer 26

The two averages are very similar, suggesting that both therapies are as good as each other

Question 27

Two different drug therapies were tested on a group of patients. All the patients suffered with the same anxiety disorder. Half the patients were given Therapy A and the other half were given Therapy B. Improvement was assessed on a scale from 0-25, where 0 = no improvement.

For therapy A, the average was 6.5 and the range was 2 - 19.
For therapy B, the average was 6 and the range was 4 - 9.

Explain what these findings suggest about the different therapies (4 marks).
The two averages are very similar, suggesting that both therapies are as good as each other.

Answer 27

However, the range of each group is very different.
This suggests that for some people, Therapy A was very beneficial, but for others it had little benefit.
For Therapy B, there was a much smaller range, suggesting that it has a similar effect on improvement for all the patients