Biolgucal Treatment Of OCD

Question 1

Purpose of drug therapy

Answer 1

OCD associated with serotonin so drugs that target serotonin

Question 2

SSRIs

Answer 2

1. Prevent the reuptake of serotonin and so continue to stimulate the PSM
2. Increasing levels given until suitable level found
3. Takes 3-4 months to have an effect

Question 3

Combining SSRI with CBT

Answer 3

1. Drugs reduce emotional symptoms

2. Allowing them to engage in CBT more effectively

Question 4

Alternatives to SSRIs

Answer 4

SSRIs not effective for everyone so can be combined with:

1. Tricyclics
2. SNRIs

Question 5

Drug therapy effective at tackling symptoms

Answer 5

1. Revised studies with SSRIs and placebos
2. In all 17 studies the SSRIs was more effective
3. Most effective when combined with CBT
4. 70% have declined symptoms after drugs

Question 6

Drugs are cost effective and non-disruptive

Answer 6

1. Drugs are cheaper than therapy
2. Cost effective for NHS
3. Take no effort from patients whereas CBT does

Question 7

Drugs can have side-effects

Answer 7

1. Side effects such as
   - indigestion
   - blurred vision
   - loss of sex drive
2. Means some people stop taking the medication