Biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

What drugs are used to treat OCD?

Answer 1

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Question 2

How do SSRI’s work?

Answer 2

Normally serotonin is released from the presynaptic neurons and travels across a synapse to the postsynaptic neuron. Some stays in the synaptic cleft and then is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neurons. SSRI’s prevent the serotonin being reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron and so more is absorbed by the post synapic neuron anad more messages are sent.

Question 3

What are the alternatives to SSRI’s?

Answer 3

Tricyclics, which have the same effect as SSRIs
SNRIS, which increase serotonin and noradrenaline.
Therapy like CBT, which is normally combined with SSRIs

Question 4

What are the strengths of the biological approach to OCD?

Answer 4

SSRIs are effective at tackling OCD and Soomro et al reviewed studies comparing placebos to SSRIs and found that symptoms decline for 70% of patients
They are cost effective and non-disruptive to patients lives

Question 5

What are the weaknesses of the biological approach to OCD?

Answer 5

There are side effects such as blurred vision, meaning people may stop taking them and they won’t be effective.
There is unreliable evidence as research is sponsered by drug companies and they are unlikely to publish evidence against their drugs.
Some cases follow trauma and it may not be ethical.
If the trauma is the cause of the OCD, why would you treat it with biological treatments.