biological approach to treating ocd Flashcards
what is the order of drugs/diagnosis for treating ocd?
SSRIs, tricylics, SNRIs
how do SSRIs work
serotonin is released from one nerve (neuron). it is targeted at receptor cells on recieving neurons at the receptor site. it is then reabsorbed by the initial neuron sending the message. in order to increase levels of serotonin, and to increase stimulation to the recieving neuron, the re-absorption is inhibited.
how do tricylics work
it blocks the transporter mechanism that reabsorbs serotonin after it has been fired
why are tricylics less commonly used?
side effects
what is a strength of treatment for ocd?
it is an effective treatment. soomro et al reviewed 17 studies where he compared treatment using SSRIs and placebos. he found that SSRIs showed significantly better results.
SSRIs help around 70% of patients. the other 30% can try different drugs or combine them with therapy. overall, it is very effective and can help a lot of people
what is a limitation of ocd treatment? (pub bias)
turner et al (2008) claimed that there is evidence of publication bias towards studies that show a positive outcome of drug therapies. they found that results were more likely to be published if they were positive and if the results were negative, then they were conveyed in a positive way. this is because research is funded by drug companies who have a strong interest in the continuing success of the drugs.
this can lead to inappropriate treatment by doctors and a distorted view on the efficiency of drugs
what is a limitation of ocd treatment? (side effects)
the drugs can have side effects such as nausea, aggressiveness and blurred vision. this causes people to stop taking them, which decreases the overall efficiency of them
what is a limitation of ocd treatment (better alts)
it has been found that when patients stop taking medication, relapse back to OCD is high. psychological treatments/therapies could be a better option as they could provide a longer lasting cure
