Biological Approach To Treating OCD

Question 1

What is drug therapy

Answer 1

A treatment involving drugs - chemicals that have a particular effect on the functioning of the brain or other body system. Usually has an effect of neurotransmitters levels.

Question 2

What are SSRI’s

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reputable inhibitors

Question 3

What do SSRI’s do

Answer 3

Work on the serotonin system in the brain.

• prevents the re-absorption of the breakdown of serotonin
• so increases the amount but of serotonin levels in the synapse
• so compensates for the issue of serotonin in relation to OCD

Question 4

Combining SSRI’s with other treatment

Answer 4

Drugs are often used alongside CBT.

This allows patients to engage more effectively with CBT

Question 5

Alternatives to SSRI’s

Answer 5

Tricyclics - has same effect of SSRI but more severe side effects (clomiparmine)

SNRIS-
Also increase levels of serotonin as well as noradrenaline

Question 6

Evaluation- drug therapy is effective at tackling OCD symptoms

Answer 6

Soomro et al (2009)
Found that SSRIs have extremely positive results
70% of patients found reduction in OCD symptoms

Question 7

Evaluation- drugs are cost effective and non disruptive

Answer 7

They are cheap in comparison to psychological treatments.

• financially beneficial to NHS
• non disruptive as no need for appointments, just take dosage during normal day

Question 8

Evaluation- drugs can have side effects

Answer 8

Side effects such as

• indigestion
• blurred vision
• loss of sex drive