OCD- biological treatment

Question 1

Biological treatments for OCD

Answer 1

SSRI
SSRI x CBT

Alternative:
Tricyclics
SNRIS

Question 2

SSRI

Answer 2

Tackle symptoms, standard treatment
Serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Prevents reuptake and breakdown of serotonin caused by the presynaptic neurone. It’s causes a higher concentration of serotonin in the synapse so the post synaptic neurone is constantly stimulated

Question 3

SSRI x CBT

Answer 3

Combining SSRI with CBT reduces emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression
Some respond better so CBT, drugs or both

Question 4

Alternatives to SSRI

Answer 4

If SSRI not effective after 304 months use other methods

Tricyclics- older type of antidepressant

SNRIS- increase concentration of noradrenaline in the brain

Question 5

Strength biological treatment OCD (Cost effective)

Answer 5

Drug treatments cheap compared to psychological treatments, so good value for public health systems like NHS.
psychological therapies require time spent attending sessions whereas a pill takes no time out of daily schedule, making it popular with people diagnosed with OCD and their doctors.

Question 6

Limitation biological treatments OCD (side effects)

Answer 6

SSRI helps most but some feel no benefit. Some side effects- indigestion, blurred vision,
Usually temporary but distressing and can be long term

Tricyclics side effects more common
1/10 have weight gain
1/100 aggressive and heart issues

Reduced quality of life

Question 7

Limitation biological treatments OCD (other treatment)

Answer 7

Skapinakis- systematic review concluded both cognitive and
behavioural therapies are more effective than SSRIs.