Biological approach to treating OCD Flashcards
What are Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors(SSRI’s)
-SSRI’s increase the level of serotonin in someone by preventing the serotonin from being reabsorbed and broken down in the presynaptic neuron after crossing the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron.
-typical dosage of fluoxetine (prozac) is 20mg (but may increase if not working) and should be used for 3-4 months to see impact.
What are some alternatives to SSRI’s?
Tricyclics- clomipramine which is a old antidepressant and has severe side effects
Serotonin noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRI’s)- works to increase levels of serotonin and another neurotransmitter- noradrenaline.
Strengths for drug therapy as treatment for OCD?
-Effectiveness: Mustafa Soomro et al. (2009) reviewed 17 studies of SSRI’s compared to placebos and in all studies SSRI’s produced better outcomes. 70% of patients improved with SSRIS and remaining 30% can be helped with alternatives or combinations.
-However, Petros skapinakis (2016) said that behavioural and cognitive treatments are better for OCD.
-Cost effective and non disruptive:
Drugs are cheap and many can be made in the time and money that a therapy session would take.
Drugs do not take alot of time to take which is better than the hours that would usually be taken up by therapy sessions.
Weakness for drug therapy for OCD patients?
Serious side effects:
SSRI’s may have minor side effects such as indigestion and loss of sex drive which is claimed to fade after a couple months but tricylics have serious side effects- 1/10 experience erection problems and weight gain and 1/100 experience aggression and heart problems.
