Biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

drug therapy definition:

Answer 1

chemical treatments that influence the biological functioning or some aspects of the body.

in mental health the neurotransmitters are targeted.

Question 2

anti depressants def:

Answer 2

anxiolotics are used to inhibit the feelings of anxiety

may need to be taken for a number of months (3-4) before becoming effective

Question 3

ssri’s def:

Answer 3

fluoxetine (prozac)

ssri’s inhubit the reuptake/absorbption of serotonin which is too fast in people with ocd

resulting in the serotonin staying in the synaptic cleft for longer

remaining active in influencing the post synaptic neuron

Question 4

alternative to ssri’s

Answer 4

if ssri’s are ineffective then re uptake drugs are used

tricyclics (clomipramine) or snri’s that influence noradrenaline

Question 5

pyschosurgery stuff:

Answer 5

severe cases that don’t respond to drugs can have surgery to alter the communication between the orbitol frontal cortex and other areas of the brain.

Question 6

positive evaluation:

Answer 6

greist et al 1995 tested 4 ocd treating drugs with a placebo, all 4 were more effective.

Question 7

negative evaluation

Answer 7

publication bias, drug companies have an incentive to make drug look good.