Psychopathology: Treating OCD

Question 1

what’s drug therapy?

Answer 1

treatment involving drugs, chemicals that have a particular effect on the functioning of the brain or some other body system. in the case of psychological disorders such drugs usually affect neurotransmitter levels.

Question 2

what’s SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)?

Answer 2

serotonin releases certain neurons from the brain by the presynaptic neuron and travels across a synapse and reabsorbed by the postsynaptic neuron. SSRI prevents this re-absorption and breakdown, increasing the levels of serotonin in the synapse and continues to stimulate to postsynaptic neuron.

Question 3

what can be combined with SSRI?

Answer 3

it’s usually combined with CBT to treat OCD. the drug reduces the patient’s emotional symptoms (anxiety and depression), meaning they can engage more effectively in CBT.

Question 4

what’s the alternatives to SSRI?

Answer 4

when SSRI isn’t effective after 3-4 months, the dose can be increased or it can be combined with other drugs. Clomipramine = same effects as SSRIs but has more severe side-effects. SNRIs = increases serotonin levels and noradrenaline levels.

Question 5

how is drug therapy effect in treating OCD? (A03)

Answer 5

there’s clear evidence for the effectiveness of SSRIs in reducing the severity of OCD symptoms. Soomro reviewed studies comparing SSRIs to placebos and concluded all 17 studies showed significantly better results for the SSRIs than the placebo condition. SSRI is most effective when combined with CBT. typically symptoms decline signficantly for 70% of patients who take SSRIs. the remaining 30% alternative drugs or combination is more effective.

Question 6

how is drug therapy cost-effective and non-disruptive? (A03)

Answer 6

it’s cheaper than psychological treatments, therefore has good value for a public health service (NHS). they are also non-disruptive to patient’s lives as they don’t have to engage in hard work of psychological therapy.

Question 7

what are the side effects of drug therapy? (A03)

Answer 7

some patients suffer side effects such as indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive. these side effects are temporary. those taking Clomipramine side effects can be more serious - 1/10 patients have erection problems, tremors and weight gain. 1/100 become more aggressive and suffer disruption to blood pressure and heart rhythm. such factors reduces effectiveness because some people want to stop taking the medication