Biological Approach Go Treating OCD

Question 1

Drug therapy

Answer 1

Aim to increase or decrease neurotransmitters in brain to increase or decrease their activity
Appropriate for adults
Doesn’t cure, just reduces obsessive thoughts

Question 2

SSRI’s

Answer 2

Seritonin released by pre-synaptic neurons and is blocked by ssri from reuptaking back into pre synaptic neuron
Forces serotonin to stimulate post synaptic neuron and continues chemical signals
Levels out serotonin and regulates mood

Question 3

SSRI and CBT

Answer 3

SSRI often combined with CBT - drug can help patient engage more effectively with CBT

Question 4

Tricyclic

Answer 4

Older type of antidepressant
Has same effect on serotonin as SSRI
Has more side effects
Kept for those who don’t respond to SSRI

Question 5

SNRI

Answer 5

Also used to treat OCD
Second line defence for patients who don’t respond to SSRI
Increase serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters