The Biological Approach to Treating OCD Flashcards
What is the biological approach to treating OCD?
Drug therapy
What is the aim of drug therapy?
To increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain or to increase or lower their activity
What is SSRI?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
What is the most common medical treatment to tackle symptoms of OCD?
SSRI
What does SSRI prevent?
-Prevents reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin in the brain
What does preventing the reabsorption of serotonin do to the postsynaptic neuron ?
Increases the levels of serotonin so continuous stimulation to the postsynaptic neuron
What can SSRI also be known as?
Fluoxetine
What is the typical dosage of fluoxetine?
20 mg but can be increased if not benefiting
How long can it take for SSRI to impact the symptoms?
3-4 months of daily use
What can you combine SSRI with?
CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy)
What happens if you combine SSRI with CBT?
- Drug reduces a patients emotional symptoms
- Patients can engage more effectively with CBT
What is an alternative to SSRIs?
- Tricylics
- SNRIs
What is the effect of tricyclics?
Same effect but more serious side effects
What is SNRIs?
Serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor
What does SNRI increase levels of?
- Serotonin
- Noradrenaline