Biological Approach to Treating OCD : Drug Therapy

Question 1

What are the aims of drug therapy?

Answer 1

affect levels of neurotransmitters in the brain

Question 2

what does SSRI’s stand for?

Answer 2

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Question 3

what is SSRI?

Answer 3

particular type of antidepressant used to treat OCD

Question 4

How does SSRI increase levels of serotonin in the brain?

Answer 4

Usually excess serotonin molecules transported back into presynaptic neurone

SSRI’s inhibits the reuptake of serotonin

Question 5

name a type of SSRI

Answer 5

fluoxetine

Question 6

what is the typical dose of fluoxetine?

Answer 6

20mg

maybe increased if not working (60mg)

Question 7

what can SSRI’s be combined with?

Answer 7

CBT

Question 8

what does the drugs do emotionally?

Answer 8

reduce emotional symptoms

e.g feeling anxious and depressed

Question 9

what does CBT do to help tackle OCD?

Answer 9

address cognitive symptoms

e.g intrusive recurring thoughts

Question 10

What is better drugs or CBT combo?

Answer 10

depends on the person

Question 11

what happens if SSRI’s are not working?

Answer 11

increase dose

or

be prescribed additional or alternative anti-depressants

Question 12

what has a similar affect to SSRI’s

Answer 12

tricyclic drugs (older)

Question 13

why are tricyclic drugs kept in reserve?

Answer 13

more severe side effects

Question 14

name alternatives to SSRI’s

Answer 14

tricyclic drugs

SNRI’s

Question 15

what does SNRI’s stand for?

Answer 15

serotonin-noradrenaline re uptake inhibitors

new

Question 16

what does SNRI’s increase levels of?

Answer 16

serotonin

noradrenaline