The Biological Approach To Treating OCD

Question 1

SSRIs

Answer 1

Work by preventing re-uptake of serotonin at the synapses. This leads to a greater amount of serotonin available to bind and stimulate the post synaptic neuron which leads to increased serotonin activity & improved mood

Question 2

Tricyclics

Answer 2

Are used when the patients fail to respond to SSRIs. Drugs like clomipramine are effective but have more severe side effects so are usually kept in reserve.

Question 3

SNRIs as an alternative

Answer 3

They work by preventing the re-uptake of noradrenaline at the synapse which leads to an overall increase of the activity of this neurotransmitter in the brain.

Question 4

Often used in combination with CBT

Answer 4

They reduce anxiety OCD sufferers experience which makes it easier for the patient to respond positively to CBT

Question 5

Evaluation strength: Soomro et al (2009)

Answer 5

Who reviewed 17 studies and found that in all cases they were more effective than a placebo at reducing OCD symptoms

Question 6

Evaluation strength: less expensive

Answer 6

More accessible to patients and they will able to afford medicine than they would with therapy

Question 7

Evaluation weakness: side effects

Answer 7

I.e clomipramine can lead to weight gain, tremors and erection problems. This can cause patients to become demotivated to take their medicine

Question 8

Evaluation weakness: unreliable

Answer 8

Often sponsored by the drug manufacturers who have a vested interest in drug working (biased studies)

Question 9

Evaluation weakness: may not be suitable for everyone

Answer 9

Not all OCD is biological in origin, some patients follow traumatic life events and would benefit from psychological treatments more.