The biological approach to treating ocd

Question 1

What does drug therapy do?

Answer 1

targets abnormal neurotransmitter levels

Question 2

What are the two drugs?

Answer 2

-SSRI’s (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
-Anti-Anxiety drugs

Question 3

What are SSRI’s?

Answer 3

-(Fluoxetine and Prozac) antidepressants used to reduce the anxiety associated with OCD.
-currently the preferred drug for treating OCD.

Question 4

What do SSRI’s do?

Answer 4

-increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood and anxiety.

Question 5

How do SSRI’s work?

Answer 5

-by blocking the re-absorption of serotonin at the pre-synaptic nerve; therefore, leaving more serotonin available in the synapse.

Question 6

What is the end result of SSRI’s?

Answer 6

-increased amount of serotonin available to be taken up by other neurons

Question 7

How long does it take for SSRI’s to have much impact in symptoms?

Answer 7

Three to four months

Question 8

What are anti anxiety drugs used to do? (Anxiolytic Drugs)

Answer 8

Certain anxiolytics are used to treat the anxiety associated with OCD

Question 9

What anxiolytic drugs are widely used?

Answer 9

-Benzodiazepines (BZ’s)
-(Valium, diazepam)

Question 10

How do anxiolytic drugs work?

Answer 10

-by increasing the effectiveness of a neurochemical called GABA.

Question 11

What does GABA do?

Answer 11

GABA has a quietening effect on brain activity and this reduces the anxiety
experienced by OCD sufferers.