Biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

What are the 3 types of drug therapies used to treat OCD and what do they do in general

Answer 1

Antidepressant drugs - SSRI

Antidepressant drugs - Tricyclics

Anti anxiety drugs

They restore chemical imbalances in the brain

Question 2

Outline how antidepressants SSRI’s work

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRI’s)

Often have brand names like Prozac

Increases serotonin levels in the synapse by preventing reabsorption into the presynaptic neuron

This increases conc at receptor sites on post synaptic neuron

Can increase mood,decrease imbalance and therefore decrease OCD

Question 3

Outline how antidepressants Tricyclics work

Answer 3

Offered when SSRI’s don’t work

Blocks transport mechanism that reabsorbs serotonin and noradrenaline into pre synaptic neurone after it fires

Has side effects e.g. blurred vision, sweating

Question 4

Outline how anti anxiety drugs work

Answer 4

Range of drugs known as Benzodiazepines

Has brand names e.g. Valium and Diazepam

Enhances GABA neurotransmitter

GABA slows/stops neurons from firing, reducing obsessive thoughts which reduces anxiety

Question 5

Evaluate drug therapies as OCD treatment

Answer 5

Strength - Less time consuming - e.g. CBT requires regular meetings, thoughts, etc

Limitation - Only treats symptoms/does not cure - E.g. obsessions/compulsions return once drugs stop. Combination of drugs+other therapy is better

Limitation - Side effects e.g. Nausea, insomnia for SSRI’s and increased aggression/memory problems for Benzodiazepines - treatment is less effective and can make symptoms worse

Nomothetic approach