OCD [biological treatment]

Question 1

Which drug therapy is used to treat OCD?

Answer 1

SSRIs

Question 2

What does SSRI stand for?

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Question 3

What do SSRIs do?

Answer 3

They increase the serotonin levels in the brain

Question 4

What is the effect of SSRIS?

Answer 4

They allow more serotonin to be passed on, which helps to regulate mood more effectively

Question 5

How do SSRIs work?

Answer 5

They block the reabsorption of serotonin into the pre-synaptic neuron, increasing levels of transmission as more can bind with the receptors on the post-synaptic neuron

Question 6

What is an example of an SSRI?

Answer 6

Citalopram [celexa]

Question 7

What are some common side effects of citalopram?

Answer 7

Dry mouth
Excessive sweating
Weakness
Insomnia

Question 8

What are serious side effects of citalopram?

Answer 8

Headache
Seizures
Abnormal bleeding
Weight change

Question 9

What are the 2 alternatives to SSRIs?

Answer 9

SNRIs

TRICYCLICS

Question 10

What do tricyclics do?

Answer 10

Same as SSRIs but with more serious side effects

Question 11

What do SNRIs do?

Answer 11

Increase the levels of both serotonin and dopamine

Question 12

Why are drugs commonly used alongside psychological therapies?

Answer 12

They reduce symptoms, making it easier to engage in CBT

Question 13

Why might drugs be a better alternative to CBT?

Answer 13

CHEAPER
- they are most cost-effective in comparison, therefore better for the NHS as well
LESS DISRUPTIVE
EFFECTIVE
- SOOMRO tested SSRIs against placebos, all 17 studies showed significantly better results for SSRIs
- symptoms typically decline for 70%

Question 14

Why might CBT be a better alternative to drugs?

Answer 14

SIDE EFFECTS
- a minority of people will see no effect, and side effects may reduce effectiveness as patients stop taking the drug
BIAS?
- some psychologists believe drug results are misreported, as drug companies sponsor the studies