bio approach- treating OCD

Question 1

Introduction of SSRI

Answer 1

• SSRI works on the serotonin system, serotonin is released by neurons in brain, released by the presynaptic neuron’s and travels across the synapse, the neurotransmitter chemically conveys a signal from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron and then reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron where it is broken down and reused

Question 2

How do SSRI how to treat OCD

Answer 2

Works on increasing serotonin levels by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin to the presynaptic neuron, by preventing the reabsorption it effectively increases its levels in the synapse and this continues to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron

Question 3

What other treatment can you use with SSRI

Answer 3

CBT, the drugs to reduce the emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression which means the patient can engage more effectively with CBT

Question 4

Alternatives to SSRI

Answer 4

• Tricyclics- (eg Clomipramine), older type of antidepressant, has the same affect on serotonin system as SSRI but has more severe side-effects and is generally for patient who don’t respond to SSRI
• SNRI, (Serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors), increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline and use for patients who don’t respond to SSRI

Question 5

strengths (2)

Answer 5

• cost effective, easy to use and administer, cheaper for NHS when comparing it to rates of therapy
• using drugs has a 81% improvement but can consider taking interactionist approach and using CBT alongside as there was an 86% improvement

Question 6

limitation

Answer 6

side effects

-tricyclics have more severe side effects which can make a patient feel like they don’t want to take the drug