Biological Approach To Treating OCD

Question 1

Drug therapies

Answer 1

SSRIs - an antidepressant drug called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Serotonin is released by presynaptic neurones and travels across a synapse. The neurotransmitter chemically conveys the signal from the presynaptic neurone to the post synaptic neurone then it is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neurone broken down and used. By preventing the reabsorption and breakdown ssris effectively increase levels of serotonin and therefore raise the mood. 3-4 months daily use.
- drugs often used alongside cbt which reduces a persons emotional feelings of anxiety.
- alternatively drugs are described longside ssris
— tricyclics same effects as ssris but worse side effects
—snris increase serotonin as well as non adrenaline second line of defence if not responding to ssris

Question 2

Evaluation positives

Answer 2

+Evidence of effectiveness
— clear evidence to suggest ssris improve quality of life for those with ocd.
Soomro found a 70% success rate using SSRIs to treat OCD whilst 30% were helped either by alternative drugs or therapy.
HOWEVER—> skapinskis found that both cognitive and behavioural therapies were more effective in treating OCD than SSRIs.

+ cost effective and non disruptive
Cheaper than therapy good value for NHS doesn’t involve attending sessions

Question 3

Evaluation negatives

Answer 3

• serious side effects
  —> some may not get any benefit
  Others may experience side effects such as indigestion blurred vision and lack of sex drive.
• those taking tricyclics side effects an be aggression heart related problems (1 in 100) erection problems weight gin (1 in 10)
  May have reduce quality of life taking these.
• biased evidence drug companies may selectively publish positive outcomes of using the drug as opposed to negative ones