The Biological approach to treating OCD

Question 1

What does SSRI stand for?

Answer 1

Selective seritonin reuptake inhibitors

Question 2

What are some common brand names for SSRI’s?

Answer 2

Prozac and sertraline

Question 3

Are SSRI’s are the first line treatment?

Answer 3

Yes, they are the preferred drug in treating depression related disorders

Question 4

What is serotonin?

Answer 4

A mood regulating hormone

Question 5

What levels of serotonin are associated with OCD?

Answer 5

Low levels of serotonin

Question 6

How do SSRI’s work?

Answer 6

They increase the levels of serotonin
Blocks the reuptake and prevents the serotonin being recycled

Question 7

What does SNRI stand for?

Answer 7

Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitiors

Question 8

How do SNRI’s work?

Answer 8

Blocks the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline

Question 9

What is the role of noradrenaline in OCD?

Answer 9

The exact role is unknown but it is provent to link to OCD

Question 10

Why are SNRIs the seond line treatment?

Answer 10

SNRI’s have worse side effects than SSRIs

Question 11

What is an example if an anti-anxiety drug?

Answer 11

Benzodiazepines (BZ)

Question 12

What are comman brand names for SNRI’s?

Answer 12

Clomipramine

Question 13

What is benzodiazepines used for?

Answer 13

To reduce anxiety

Question 14

What are common brand names of Benzodiazepines?

Answer 14

Valium and Diazepam

Question 15

Which neurotransmitter do anti-anxiety drugs work on?

Answer 15

GABA (only transmitter that stops messages)
BZ - increases GABA to reduce messages (less anxiety)

Question 16

(Ao3) SSRIs and SNRIs

Answer 16

❌unpleasant side effects
SSRIs - indigestion, blurred vision and a loss of sex drive.
SNRIs - erectile dysfunction, tremors and weight gain.
Ashton (1997) drugs of OCD used for no longer than 4 weeks.

Question 17

(Ao3) Economic and life

Answer 17

✅More cost effective, less disruptive.
SSRI - cheaper than talking therapies.
economic implications on the UK.
Drug therapy is preferred by GP’s

Question 18

(Ao3) Empirical evidence

Answer 18

✅Soomro et al (2009)
compared SSRI’s to placebos in the treatment of OCD.
SSRI better short term.
Biological treatment effective, on average 70% got better.
❌Limitation to this study - Dont know long term effects.

Question 19

(Ao3) effectiveness

Answer 19

❌ effectiveness of drug is the concern of publication bias.
Turner (2008) evidence to show a ‘favourable outcome’, publication bias.
Drug companies often sponsor the research - makes them look good - earns them money.