OCD Treatment: Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the most commonly used biological therapy for anxiety disorders?
Drug therapy
This therapy assumes that there is a chemical imbalance that can be corrected by drugs.
How do drugs in drug therapy work?
They either increase or decrease the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
What type of antidepressants are commonly used for anxiety disorders?
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Brand names include Prozac and Zoloft.
How do SSRIs help with anxiety?
They increase the levels of serotonin, which regulates mood and anxiety.
What is the role of serotonin in anxiety disorders?
Low levels of serotonin are involved in the worry circuit; increasing levels can normalize this and aid anxiety levels.
What is the typical daily dose of Fluoxetine (an SSRI)?
20mg, but it can be increased to 60mg a day if needed.
How long does it take for SSRIs to impact symptoms?
It takes 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to impact on symptoms.
What is the mechanism of action for SSRIs?
SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse.
What do tricyclic antidepressants do?
Tricyclics block the mechanisms that re-absorb both serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging their activity.
What is an advantage of tricyclic antidepressants?
Tricyclics have the advantage of targeting more than one neurotransmitter.
What is a disadvantage of tricyclic antidepressants?
They have greater side effects.
What are benzodiazepines used for?
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce anxiety.
How do benzodiazepines affect the Central Nervous System?
BZs slow down the activity of the Central Nervous System by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA.
What effect does GABA have on the brain?
GABA has a calming influence and a general quieting effect on many of the neurons in the brain.
How do benzodiazepines interact with GABA receptors?
BZs bind to the GABA receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, allowing chloride ions to flow.
What is D-Cycloserine and its potential use?
D-Cycloserine has an effect on reducing anxiety and may be an effective treatment for OCD, particularly when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
What is D-Cycloserine originally used for?
D-Cycloserine is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
How does D-Cycloserine affect GABA transmission?
It appears to enhance the transmission of GABA and thus reduce anxiety.
How should drug therapy be combined for effectiveness?
Drug therapy is better combined with any other treatment.
What do the drugs used in therapy help a person achieve?
The drugs reduce anxiety and depression, allowing the person to live a normal life while on drugs.
What motivation do drugs provide to patients?
They give motivation to seek help to change obsessions and compulsions.
What is a potential consequence of not seeking help while on drugs?
Otherwise, they will have to remain on drugs for the rest of their lives.
What did Soomro’s review of studies on SSRIs and OCD patients find?
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.
Why are drug therapies preferred to other methods?
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.
What are some benefits of drug therapy?
Benefits may derive from simply talking to the doctor during consultations.
What are common side effects of SSRIs?
Nausea, headaches, and insomnia.
What are some side effects of benzodiazepines (BZ)?
Increased aggressiveness, long-term impairments of memory, and possible addiction.
What is a potential issue with side effects of medication?
Side effects may amount to costs that more than outweigh benefits, leading to patients stopping the drug.
What did Koran suggest regarding drug therapy and psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, such as CBT, should be tried first before drug therapy.
What is a limitation of drug therapy?
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.
