L13 - Biological Treatment For OCD

Question 1

What are the two types of drugs people take?

Answer 1

• SSRIs

- BZs

Question 2

What does serotonin usually do?

Answer 2

• Serotonin released by presynaptic neurones and travels across synaptic cleft.
• Chemically conveys the signal from the pre-synaptic neurone to the post-synaptic neurone
• It is reabsorbed, broken down and reused

Question 3

How do SSRIs work?

Answer 3

• Prevent Reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin
• Increasing it’s levels in the synapse, so it can stimulate the post-synaptic neurone.
• Reduces anxiety

Question 4

Evaluation of SSRIs

Answer 4

(+) 17 studies found that SSRIs were more effective than placebos, especially when combined with CBT
(+) 70% of Patients experience a decline in symptoms when taking SSRIs. The other 30% use psychological therapies or a combination of medication and therapies

(-) Have severe side effects which mean patients stop taking the medication. They are temporary but are annoying

Question 5

What does BZ do?

Answer 5

• Slow down activity of CNS by enhancing GABA activity

- This has an inhibitory effect on neurones

Question 6

What does GABA do?

Answer 6

• Reacts with GABA receptors on the outside of neurones.
• GABA binds to receptors and opens a channel for Cl ions to enter the neurone
• Makes it harder for neurone to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters
• Gives a relaxing feel

Question 7

Evaluation of BZ

Answer 7

(+) Drugs reduce anxiety levels and OCD symptoms in a short period of time, especially compared to CBT, so patient experiences immediate relief

(-) Long term use has side effects.
(-) Long term uses have dependency on the drug and suffer from withdrawal. Their cog functioning worsens
(-) Patients become tolerant so must take higher doses