Biological approach to treating phobias Flashcards
What is drug therapy?
-Treatment involving drugs aimed at ‘correcting’ imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain e.g. increase or decreasing activity
-also help reduce symptoms
What antidepressant is used to tackle symptoms of OCD?
SSRI’s-
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Explain how the drug SSRI’s work in treatment of OCD
-work on serotonin system
-serotonin (neurotransmitter) is released by presynaptic neurons (triggered by action potential) & travels across synapse
-binds to receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron
-SSRI prevents reabsorption & breakdown by blocking the reuptake sites
- this increases levels of serotonin in the synapse
example of SSRI
fluoxetine
What alternatives to SSRI’s are there?
Tricyclics
-same effect as SSRI’s
-more severe side effects
-use for those who don’t respond to SSRI’s
SNRI’s (Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors)
-increases serotonin as well as noradrenaline
-used for those who don’t respond to SSRI’s
What is evidence is there for the effectiveness of drug treatments?
Soomro et al- meta-analysis of 17 studies
-SSRI’s reduced symptoms for around 70% of people compared to those group who took the placebo
What is a counterpoint for the effectiveness for the drug treatments?
It was found that CBT more effective than SSRIs- drugs may not be the best treatment for OCD
How are drugs cost effective & non-disruptive? (strength)
-cheap -thousands of tablets or liquid doses can be manufactured in the time it takes to conduct one therapy session
-Good value for public health (NHS)
-non disruptive as u can take drugs until symptoms decline = less time spent attending therapy sessions=popular
What is a limitation of drug treatments?
-serious side effects
-include headaches, insomnia , indigestion
-Tricyclics =side effects more serious e.g. 1 in 10 experience erections issues & weight gain
-not suitable for some
=reduced quality of life as a result
Why is there controversy over the effectiveness of drugs?
-Goldacre- researchers (drug trials) sponsored by drug companies & may selectively publish positive results of drugs their sponsors are selling
-research supporting SSRI’s may be bias