Biological Approach to Treating OCD

Question 1

Describe neurotransmission at a synapse

Answer 1

1. An electronic current goes down the first neuron (pre-synaptic neuron) and can’t cross the synapse
2. Electric current make the vesicles move to the edge and fuse with the membrane. This releases the neurotransmitter into the synapse
3. The neurotransmitter binds to the receptor sites on the post synaptic neuron. The binding of the neurotransmitter causes an electric current to fire down the post synaptic neuron. (if neurotransmitter is excitatory).

Question 2

How do SSRIs work?

Answer 2

• Serotonin is released into the synapse from an neuron. It targets receptor cells on the receiving neuron at receptor sites then is re-absorbed by the initial neuron sending the message. To increase serotonin at the synapse, and stimulation to the receiving neuron, this re-absorption is inhibited
• Increases levels of serotonin, causing the OFC to function more normally.
• Used as an anti-depressant so helps with emotional symptoms of OCD
• Can be used along therapy/other drugs

Question 3

How do tricyclics work?

Answer 3

• Blocks the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, leaving more of these neurotransmitters available in the synapse to ease the transmission of the next impulse
• Can target more than one neurotransmitter
• Have a greater side effects so are used as a second-line treatment if SSRIs aren’t effective

Question 4

How do benzodiazepines work?

Answer 4

Slows down the central nervous system by increasing activity of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) which reduces anxiety and makes the person feel relaxed.

Question 5

Give evaluation of drug therapies for OCD (side effects)

Answer 5

There are side effects. For example, Soomro et al (2008) found SSRIs may cause nausea, headaches and insomnia, even though they may be severe they’re enough to make a patient stop taking them. Benzodiazepine’s (BZ) side effects can include aggressiveness and long term impairment. Therefore there may be a high dropout rate with taking the medication, reducing its effectiveness.

Question 6

Give evaluation of drug therapies for OCD (effectiveness)

Answer 6

There is evidence for the effectiveness of drug treatments. Soomro et al (2008) reviewed studies comparing SSRI’s to placebo’s for treatment for OCD. It was found in all studies they reviewed, that SSRI were more effective than a placebo. This means at least part of SSRI’s effectiveness must be due to the active ingredient in the medication.

Question 7

Give evaluation of drug therapies for OCD (behavioural treatment)

Answer 7

The effectiveness of drugs has been compared to behavioural treatment, Exposure and ritual prevention therapy (ERPT). It was found ERPT was as effective as drugs. Questions the need for subjecting people to side effects as people were just as improved with behavioural treatment. However drugs require little effort and are relatively cheap compared to lengthy behavioural therapies.