the biological approach to treating ocd Flashcards

(6 cards)

1
Q

what are the aims of drug therapy? (2)

A

● in ocd, thought that neurotransmitter involved is serotonin - levels of this neurotransmitter are thought to be too low

● drug therapy aims to increase levels of this neurotransmitter - by doing so, a reduction in symptoms of ocd would occur

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2
Q

what does ssri’s stand for? (5)

A

● selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

● form of anti-depressant

● work on serotonin levels in the brain

● used to treat both ocd and depression

● examples of ssris:
fluoxetine (prozac)
sertraline (for under 18’s)

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3
Q

how do ssri’s work? (4)

A

● in those with ocd, serotonin is released into the synapse but the axon (the pre-synaptic neurone) reabsorbs the serotonin too quickly - leading to lower levels of serotonin

● ssri’s work by stopping the reuptake of serotonin by blocking reuptake channels

● this means that more serotonin is found within the synapse, making it more likely to bind with the dendrite of the post synaptic neurone and send on the electrical impulse

● this then reduces the symptoms of ocd

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4
Q

describe the patient information (6)

A

● dosage differs from person to person because of height, age, weight and severity of symptoms

● usually start on lowest dose - 20mg

● taken daily in tablet form

● if not effective after 3 to 4 months - increased up to 60mg or given a different drug / treatment

● it may take up to 4 weeks of continuous usage before people see a reduction in symptoms

● it can take up to 3-4 months in some cases

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5
Q

outline combining ssri’s with cbt (3)

A

● drugs are often used alongside cbt to treat ocd

● the drugs reduce a persons emotional symptoms such as feeling anxious and depressed

● this means they can engage more effectively with cbt

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6
Q

what are alternatives to ssri’s? (4)

A

● tricyclics

● used as a second line of defence for people who do not respond to ssri’s

● they have the same effect on the serotonin system

● but the side effects can be more severe

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