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Psychopathology > OCD Treatment: Biological Approach > Flashcards

OCD Treatment: Biological Approach Flashcards

1
Q

What is the most commonly used biological therapy for anxiety disorders?

A

Drug therapy

This therapy assumes that there is a chemical imbalance that can be corrected by drugs.

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2
Q

How do drugs in drug therapy work?

A

They either increase or decrease the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

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3
Q

What type of antidepressants are commonly used for anxiety disorders?

A

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Brand names include Prozac and Zoloft.

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4
Q

How do SSRIs help with anxiety?

A

They increase the levels of serotonin, which regulates mood and anxiety.

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5
Q

What is the role of serotonin in anxiety disorders?

A

Low levels of serotonin are involved in the worry circuit; increasing levels can normalize this and aid anxiety levels.

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6
Q

What is the typical daily dose of Fluoxetine (an SSRI)?

A

20mg, but it can be increased to 60mg a day if needed.

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7
Q

How long does it take for SSRIs to impact symptoms?

A

It takes 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to impact on symptoms.

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8
Q

What is the mechanism of action for SSRIs?

A

SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse.

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9
Q

What do tricyclic antidepressants do?

A

Tricyclics block the mechanisms that re-absorb both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.

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10
Q

What is an advantage of tricyclic antidepressants?

A

Tricyclics have the advantage of targeting more than one neurotransmitter.

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11
Q

What is a disadvantage of tricyclic antidepressants?

A

They have greater side effects.

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12
Q

What are benzodiazepines used for?

A

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce anxiety.

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13
Q

How do benzodiazepines affect the Central Nervous System?

A

BZs slow down the activity of the Central Nervous System by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA.

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14
Q

What effect does GABA have on the brain?

A

GABA has a calming influence and a general quieting effect on many of the neurons in the brain.

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15
Q

How do benzodiazepines interact with GABA receptors?

A

BZs bind to the GABA receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, allowing chloride ions to flow.

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16
Q

What is D-Cycloserine and its potential use?

A

D-Cycloserine has an effect on reducing anxiety and may be an effective treatment for OCD, particularly when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

17
Q

What is D-Cycloserine originally used for?

A

D-Cycloserine is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

18
Q

How does D-Cycloserine affect GABA transmission?

A

It appears to enhance the transmission of GABA and thus reduce anxiety.

19
Q

How should drug therapy be combined for effectiveness?

A

Drug therapy is better combined with any other treatment.

20
Q

What do the drugs used in therapy help a person achieve?

A

The drugs reduce anxiety and depression, allowing the person to live a normal life while on drugs.

21
Q

What motivation do drugs provide to patients?

A

They give motivation to seek help to change obsessions and compulsions.

22
Q

What is a potential consequence of not seeking help while on drugs?

A

Otherwise, they will have to remain on drugs for the rest of their lives.

23
Q

What did Soomro’s review of studies on SSRIs and OCD patients find?

A

SSRIs are more effective than placebos in reducing symptoms of OCD for up to 3 months after treatment.

Most studies are only three to four months long, therefore little long-term data exists.

24
Q

Why are drug therapies preferred to other methods?

A

Drug therapy generally requires less time and effort than therapies such as CBT, as it involves taking a pill instead of attending multiple therapy sessions.

It is relatively cheap and requires less monitoring.

25
Q

What are some benefits of drug therapy?

A

Benefits may derive from simply talking to the doctor during consultations.

26
Q

What are common side effects of SSRIs?

A

Nausea, headaches, and insomnia.

27
Q

What are some side effects of benzodiazepines (BZ)?

A

Increased aggressiveness, long-term impairments of memory, and possible addiction.

28
Q

What is a potential issue with side effects of medication?

A

Side effects may amount to costs that more than outweigh benefits, leading to patients stopping the drug.

29
Q

What did Koran suggest regarding drug therapy and psychotherapy?

A

Psychotherapy, such as CBT, should be tried first before drug therapy.

30
Q

What is a limitation of drug therapy?

A

Drug therapy may be efficient in the short term but does not provide a lasting cure.

Many patients relapse within a few weeks if medication is stopped.

Psychopathology (8 decks)

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