Biological Treatments for OCD

Question 1

SSRISs

Answer 1

• use of drug therapy to’ correct’ imbalance of neurochemicals serotonin, to reduces symptoms associated with OCD
  
  • SSRIs — prevent (the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin in the brain, continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron
  • timescale — 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to impact upon
    symptoms
    Prevent reuptake of serotonin and prolong its activity in the synapse in order to reduce anxiety/ normalise the ‘worry circuit’

Question 2

AO1 - benzos

Answer 2

• alternatives to SSRIs — tricyclics, SNRIs
• SNRIs tolerated for those whom SSRIs aren’t tolerated (but more expensive)
• other drugs - benzodiazepines for general relaxation and
  reduction of anxiety
• Enhance GABA activity slow CNS = relaxation

Question 3

AO3s

Answer 3

• dependency
• side effects
• convenience

Question 4

AO3s

Answer 4

• dependency
• side effects
• convenience