OCD (treatment)

Question 1

What are SSRIs?

Answer 1

Choy and Schneier 2008

Antidepressants - which generally are used to reduce the anxiety associated with OCD

Question 2

How do SSRIs work?

Answer 2

increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood and anxiety

Question 3

What are tricyclics?

Answer 3

Antidepressants

Question 4

How do tricyclics work?

Answer 4

Target more than one neurotransmitter - block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre-synaptic cell after it has fired

Question 5

What are anti-anxiety drugs?

Answer 5

Are commonly used to reduce anxiety

Question 6

How do anti-anxiety drugs work?

Answer 6

Benzodiazepines (BZs) slow down the activity of the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which, when released, has a general quietening effect on many of the neurons in the brain

Question 7

What other drugs can be used to treat OCD?

Answer 7

Kushner et al 2007; D-Cycloserine has an effect on reducing anxiety and enhancing the transmission of GABA.
Can be an effective treatment for OCD, esp. when used in conjunction with psychotherapy