L13 - biologcial approach to treating OCD

Question 1

what are SSRI drugs

Answer 1

selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors e.g. prozac
prevents reuptake of serotonin to patient feels less anxious

Question 2

how do SSRI drugs work

Answer 2

low levels of serotonin are implicated in the worry circuit so damage to the caudate nucleus fails to suppress minor worry signals
message sent to orbital frontal cortex - worrying and anxiety worsens
drugs increase serotonin levels to regulate mood
reduce worry circuit so orbital frontal cortex functions at normal levels

Question 3

strength of SSRI drugs

Answer 3

relatively cheap and cost effective compared to CBT/counselling/therapy
good value for money for NHS
economical compared to other treatments

Question 4

2 weaknesses of SSRI drugs

Answer 4

• does not work for all OCD patients, wont alleviate symptoms of some people, so alternative drugs e.g. tricyclics, taken instead which may be more effective
• side effects which may mean OCD patient stops taking medication - temporary but include indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive

Question 5

what are BZ drugs

Answer 5

benzodiazepines e.g. valium
aim to control action of neurotransmitters
reduce active in CNS and reduce brain arousal

Question 6

how does BZ work

Answer 6

increase GABA (neurotransmitter which slows down firing of neurons and makes person less anxious and calmer)
BZ binds to GABA receptor site of post synaptic neurone
increase flow of Cl- ions so more difficult for neuron to be stimulated
neurons less activated, person feels calmer
decreases serotonin levels

Question 7

strength of BZ drugs

Answer 7

work quickly and effectively to cure OCD symptoms compared to psychological treatments
reduce anxiety levels and other symptoms in a short period of time so immediate benefits of relief seen

Question 8

2 weaknesses of BZ drug

Answer 8

• if used in LT, unwanted side effects can occur such as drowsiness and depression, patients have a high chance of being involved in accidents, should not be used as a LT treatment
• ashton found that LT users of BZ became dependant on it, sudden withdrawal lead to high levels of anxiety, drug escalation occurred when patients needed large doses of drug to reduce OCD symptoms if taken over a long period of time