*Biological Approach To Treating OCD Flashcards
What is the main aim of drug therapy?
To increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters or their activity.
What neurotransmitter levels do drugs for OCD primarily increase?
Serotonin.
What does SSRI stand for?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
How do SSRIs work in the brain?
They work on the serotonin system.
Where is serotonin released from in the brain?
From certain neurons in the brain.
What is the role of serotonin in neurotransmission?
It chemically conveys the signal from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron.
What happens to serotonin after it transmits a signal?
It is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron.
What do SSRIs prevent that increases serotonin levels in the synapse?
Reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin.
What is the typical daily dose of fluoxetine (Prozac)?
20mg.
How long does it typically take to see an impact on symptoms from SSRIs?
3-4 months.
With what therapy are SSRIs often combined?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What do SSRIs help reduce in people with OCD?
Emotional symptoms like anxiety or depression.
What is a potential alternative if SSRIs are not effective?
Increasing the dose or trying different antidepressants.
What are SNRIs?
Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors.
When are SNRIs typically used?
For people who don’t respond to SSRIs.
What did Soomro et al.’s review conclude about SSRIs?
Symptoms reduce in about 70% of people.
What is a significant strength of drug treatment for OCD?
Good evidence for its effectiveness.
What are some limitations of drug therapy?
Not the most effective treatment, potential side effects, and a small minority may get no benefit.
What are some common side effects of SSRIs?
Indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive.
What is a notable side effect of clomipramine?
1 in 10 experience side effects related to weight gain.
True or False: Drug therapy is always the most effective treatment for OCD.
False.
