Biological Approach- Treating OCD

Question 1

How do you treat OCD?

Answer 1

As low levels of serotonin are related with OCD, we use drugs to increase serotoning and hopefully treat OCD.

Question 2

What is an SSRI and how do they work?

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. They prevent the reabsorption of and breakdown of serotonin, they increase serotonin in the synapse continuing to stimulate postsynaptic neuron. Typical dose is 20mg, may increase depending on person, capsules or liquid.

Question 3

What do they often combine SSRI’s with?

Answer 3

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), reduce a persons emotional symptoms.

Question 4

What are alternatives to SSRIS?

Answer 4

Tricyclics: has more serious side effects and used for those who do not respond to SSRIs

SNRIs: serotonin- noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, more recently used to treat OCD. Increases noradrenaline also

Question 5

Brief AO3 for treating OCD?

Answer 5

-Evidence for effectiveness: Soomro et al BUT, drugs may not be optimal treatment.

• Cost-effective and non-disruptive
• Serious side-effects

Question 6

Strengths for treating OCD?

Answer 6

Evidence for effectiveness: SSRI’s reduce symptoms severity. Soomro et al, reviewed 17 studies compares SSRIs to placebo in treatment of OCD. All 17 studies showed significantly better outcomes for SSRIs then placebos, 70% reduction in symptoms. However, may not be most effective treatment Shapinakis et al, carried out systematic review concluding that both cognitive and behavioural therapies are more effective then SSRIs

Drugs are cost-effective and non-disruptive and cheap compared to psychological treatments. Using drugs for OCD is good for public health systems like the NHS, good use of limited funds. Non-disruptive to peoples lives, drugs are popular with those with OCD and doctors.

Question 7

Weaknesses for treating OCD?

Answer 7

Serious side effects, indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive. Temporary but can be quite distressing for people, for a minority they are long-lasting. For those taking tricyclics 1 in 10 experience weight gain and erection problems and 1 in 100 become aggressive and have heart problems. Reduced quality of life, may stop taking and drugs cease to be effective