Psychopathology - the biological approach to treating OCD Flashcards
What does SSRI stand for?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
How do drug therapies work?
They attempt to change the level or activity of neurotransmitters in the brain
What levels of serotonin are associated with OCD?
Low levels
How do SSRIs biologically work?
They increase levels of serotonin in the synapse by blocking the process of reuptake (reabsorption into the presynaptic neuron)
Serotonin then continues to bind with the post synaptic receptors to help regulate mood and anxiety
What does SNRI stand for?
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
How do SNRIs biologically work?
They block the process of reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline
Why are SNRIs a second line treatment?
They target 2 neurotransmitters so have more side effects
What are benzodiazepines?
They are anti-anxiety drugs which are commonly used to reduce anxiety (such as valium and diazepam)
Which neurotransmitters do benzodiazepines work on?
GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter)
Makes the post synaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential as it creates a negative charge at cell membrane to reduce neuronal activity and have a calming effect
How do benzodiazepines biologically work?
They make the post synaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential (as it creates a negative charge at the cells membrane which reduces neuronal activity and has a calming effect)
They increase activity levels of GABA so there is an enhanced calming effect
Why do benzodiazepines have to be prescribed with care?
They have potential for abuse and can be addictive so are usually only recommended for short-term or occasional use
What is a strength of drug treatment in treating OCD? - Considerable supporting evidence
===> Soomro et al (2009) reviewed studies comparing SSRIs to placebos and all 17 showed significantly better results for SSRIs in the short-term. This supports the argument that biological treatments are effective, average 70% patients had improved symptoms. Limitation of this is that studies typically for 3-4 months and there’s a lack of research on the long-term effects of drug therapy
What is a limitation of drug treatment in treating OCD? - Concern of publication bias
===> Turner (2008) claims there’s evidence to show a ‘favourable outcome’ publication bias in that more studies published in peer reviewed journal showing the treatment to be effective. This could be critically explained by the fact that drug companies often have a strong interest in the continuing success of their drug. Drug companies don’t publish all their results and could be suppressing evidence, known as the file drawer problem. Suggests evidence published may be very biased towards positive outcomes
