Psychopathology - The biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

What are drug therapies?

Answer 1

Drug therapies are chemical treatments that influence biological functioning. Drugs often used in depression for the reduction of anxiety are used to treat OCD.

Question 2

What are low level of serotonin associated with? How is this treated?

Answer 2

Obsession and compulsions. Antidepressants are used to reduce anxiety which is associated with OCD. SSRI stands for Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs is a drug that is preferred for treating anxiety disorders. The drug increases levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin which in turn regulates mood and anxiety.

This is how SSRIs work: Serotonin is released into a synapse from one nerve which is called a neuron. The serotonin targets receptor cells which are on the receiving neuron at receptor sites. Afterwards, the serotonin is reabsorbed by the initial neuron that sent the message. In order to increase levels of serotonin at the synapse, and increase stimulation in the receiving neuron, the reabsorption is held back (inhibited).

Question 3

What other drugs are used if SSRIs are ineffective?

Answer 3

Non-selective reuptake drugs such as Tricyclics

These influence other neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline however they have more intense side effects.

Question 4

What are the strengths of drug therapy?

Answer 4

Cost is cheap compared to CBT (most likely free on the NHS)

Griest(1945) conducted a meta-analysis of placebo controlled drug trials, including 1520.
The meta-analysis showed all four drugs included were more effective than the placebo, with clomipramine as the most effective.

Less disruptive to lifestyle, patient can simply integrate taking the drug as a part of their daily routine. Whereas cognitive therapies usually take up an hour and the patient needs to travel to the clinic.

Question 5

What are the weaknesses of drug therapies?

Answer 5

Publication bias is possible with drug companies not releasing negative results due to financial incentive to show their drug is effective.

Side effectives of drug therapies include insomnia and nausea (decreased sex drive, irrational and increased aggression) leading to patients ending treatments => can result in negative reinforcement

Relapse (reoccurrence of condition) is 45% within 12 weeks, compared to 12% for CBT. CBT is more effective which could be seen as undermining the biological approach to OCD.