Treating OCD

Question 1

The Biological Approach to Treating OCD

Answer 1

Assumes all behaviour is determined by out biology
OCD is accepted that it has a biological cause

Question 2

Drug Therapy

Answer 2

CBT or ERP are most effective in tackling OCD
CBT alone is highly effective in treating OCD, for some people a combination of CBT and drug therapy is more effective
Usually from SSRIs and TCA

Question 3

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors(SSRIs)

Answer 3

Drug which raises the level neurotransmitter serotonin which lifts mood.
SSRI blocks reuptake so levels of serotonin in the brain gradually rises
Means more serotonin available in synapse to bind to receptors allowing normal communication between neurons to resume

Question 4

Tricyclic Anti-Depressants(TCAs)

Answer 4

Drugs which raises the levels of serotonin
Not selective so raises levels of other neurotransmitter e.g. noradrenaline
TCAs blocks reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline so both levels gradually rises in the brain
Means more serotonin and noradrenaline available in synapes to bind to receptors allowing normal communication between neurons to resume

Question 5

Evaluation of drug therapy

Answer 5

T- 12 weeks before you can notice any benefits. Most people need treatment for at least a year
I - It is suitable
M- Relatively cost effective in comparison to psychological treatments like CBT
E/S- Many side effects including indigestion, hallucination and raised blood pressure
W- Has research support e.g. Soomro et al. (2008) conducted a review in the effectiveness of SSRI and found SRRI were more effective than placebos in treatment of OCD in 17 different trials
A- It does alleviate all symptoms
R- There is a chance for risk of relapse
S- It is combined with CBT to become more effective

Question 6

Alternatives to Drug Therapy

Answer 6

Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) consists of gradual exposure to fear eliciting situations. Purpose is to allow patients to experience a reduction of their fear response
To recognise that these situations are not dangerous

Question 7

Drug Augmentation

Answer 7

Refers to the combination of two or more drug to achieve better treatment results
Anxiolytics and Anti-psychotic drugs are sometimes used to reduce anxiety levels