PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - the biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

what is drug therapy?

Answer 1

aim to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters. serotonin is associated with OCD = drugs will increase level of serotonin to treat OCD

Question 2

what is the standard medical treatment used to treat OCD?

Answer 2

SSRI - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Question 3

where do SSRI’s work?

Answer 3

serotonin system in the brain

Question 4

where is serotonin released?

Answer 4

• neurons in the brain
• released by presynaptic neuron and travel across a synapse.

Question 5

what does the neurotransmitter do?

Answer 5

conveys signal from presynaptic neuron to post synaptic neuron then it is reabsorbed by the pre synaptic neuron where it is broken down and reused.

Question 6

how do SSRI’s work?

Answer 6

• prevents reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin = increasing levels in synapse = stimulates post synaptic neuron

Question 7

what are the alternatives to SSRI?

Answer 7

• increased dosage from 20mg to 60mg
• combined with other drugs

Question 8

what is sometimes tried by some patients?

Answer 8

• diff antidepressants are tried
• eg SNRI and tricyclics

Question 9

give the strengths.

Answer 9

+ cheap compared to psychological treatments = good value for public health system such as the national health service.

+ non disruptive to patients lives = simply take drugs until symptoms decline rather than engaging with the hard work of psychological therapy

+ symptoms decline significantly for 70% of patients taking SSRI = drugs can help most patients with OCD.

Question 10

give the limitations.

Answer 10

• not a long term solution = ppl can get addicted and stop taking them due to side effects which would put people immediately back to the position where they started.
• side effects = indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive.