Biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

Drug therapy: SSRI’s

Answer 1

Increase levels of serotonin. reduce anxiety.

Minor side effects

Question 2

Drug therapy: Tricyclics

Answer 2

Used for OCD. Block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre-synaptic cell. They can target more than one neurotransmitter but have greater side effects

Question 3

Anti-Anxiety drugs

Answer 3

BZs are used to reduce anxiety. They enhance the activity of GABA - slowing down the central nervous system.

Question 4

A03: Effectiveness

Answer 4

Effective in short term but not in the long term. More effective than placebos

Question 5

A03: Preferred to other treatments

Answer 5

Cheap, quick, little effort

Question 6

A03: Side effects

Answer 6

SSRI aren’t bad.
Tricyclic are usually bad
BZs can increase aggressiveness and long term impairment of memory
Also addiction could occur

Question 7

A03: Not a lasting cure

Answer 7

Maina - patients relapse after a few weeks if meds are stopped