Biological approach to treating OCD Flashcards
What neurotransmitters are associated with OCD?
Serotonin and dopamine
What are low levels of serotonin associated with?
The worry circuit
What are the 4 drug treatments?
- SSRIs
- SSRI + other treatment
- Tricyclics
- SNRI’s
What does SSRI stand for?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
What are the 3 stages of an SSRIs job working on the serotonin system?
1) Serotonin released into presynaptic neuron.
2) Diffuses across a synape arriving at the postsynaptic neuron receptor sites.
3) Then reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron where it is broken down and reused.
How long can it take for SSRIs to have an impact?
3-4 months
What can SSRIs be combined with?
CBT
What are tricyclics?
Antidepressents that act on various body systems including the serotonin system. They are a plan B if SSRIs don’t work.
What does SNRI stand for?
Serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
What is a strength of drug treatment? - Evidence for effectiveness
- SSRIs have been proven to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.
- Soomro et al: reviewed 17 studies that compared SSRIs to placebos. All studies showed better outcomes for SSRIs than placebos. Symptoms reduced for around 70% of people.
What is a strength of drug treatments? - Cost effective and non-disruptive
- Drugs can be produced quickly and is far cheaper than doing therapy sessions.
- Beneficial for public health systems.
- Drugs can also be taken quickly every day however therapy involves more time needing to be set aside.
What is a limitation of drug treatments? - Side effects
- Indigestion, blurred vision etc.
- Though they are temporary, they can be distressing and in some instances long lasting.
- 1/100 people become aggressive and experience heart problems.
- They may have a reduced quality of life.
