Lesson 13 - Drug Therapy for OCD Flashcards
What are SSRIs?
They are drugs known as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors such as Fluoxetine.
What do SSRIs do?
They aim to prevent the reuptake of serotonin, and prolong it’s activity in the synapse. This means the person will feel less anxious, and have a higher level of serotonin available.
They also prevent the worry circuit.
They also help the orbital frontal cortex to function at normal levels.
“What is the worry circuit”?
This is caused by low levels of serotonin. It causes damage to the caudate nucleus, and it is essentially where the brain fails to supress minor worry signals. A message is then sent to the orbital frontal cortex, which makes the worrying and anxiety worse.
How long are SSRIs prescribed for?
12-16 weeks.
What are SNRIs?
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. They are a new type of drug that increases serotonin and nordadrenaline.
When are SNRIs prescribed?
They are prescribed to patients that cannot tolerate normal SSRIs.
Evaluation of SSRIs - Soomro
Soomro (2009) reviewed 17 studies, that compared SSRIs with placebos. All 17 studies showed that SSRI drugs were more effective than placebos, especially if combined with CBT.
Evaluation of SSRIs - They are quite effective
SSRI drugs are effective, with 70% of OCD patients experiencing a decline in OCD symptoms when taking them.
The remaining 30% tended to opt for psychological therapies, or SSRIs and psychological therapies. This means that SSRIs may be most effective when combined with other treatments.
Evaluation of SSRIs - cost effective
SSRIs have the benefit of being relatively cheap and cost effective in comparison to psychological therapies, such as CBT, counselling or family therapy. Using SSRI drugs to treat OCD is good value for money for the NHS.
Evaluation of SSRIs - Individual differences
SSRIs can be criticised because they do not work for all OCD patients. For some patients, SSRI drugs do not alleviate their symptoms, but other drugs such as tricyclics will.
Evaluation of SSRIs - Side effects
SSRIs have terrible side effects that may lead the patient to stop taking them, such as indigestion, blurred vision, and loss of sex drive.
Evaluation of SSRIs - Koran
Koran (2007) has criticised the use of drugs and medication. Koran that psychotherapies such as CBT should be tried before drugs. Drugs may work short term, but patients have significantly higher relapse rates after drugs.
What are BZs?
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax.
What do BZs do?
BZ drugs aim to reduce anxiety and control the action of neurotransmitters.
They also aim to reduce the activity in the CNS and reduce brain arousal.
BZs also aim to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
They also increase GABA.
BZ drugs bind to the GABA receptor site of the post synaptic neuron, which increases the flow of chloride ions into the post synaptic neuron. The chloride ions make it more difficult for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters.
What is GABA?
Gamma-Amino butyric acid. It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that slows down the firing of neurons and makes the person less anxious and calmer. It helps to reduce the physiological activity in the body.
