Treating OCD Flashcards
What is the basics of drug therapy for treating OCD?
When neurotransmitters are released into the synapse gap, not all of it attaches to the receptor sites on the receiving neuron. The remaining neurotransmitters must be removed to allow the synapse to return to its normal state.
How are neurotransmitters removed from the synaptic gap?
Reuptake of the remaining neurotransmitter into the presynaptic neuron
Breakdown of the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft by an enzyme
What is the thinking behind using SSRIs to treat OCD?
If low levels of serotonin are a possible causal factor in the development of OCD, then it makes sense for a possible treatment to increase the levels of serotonin.
How is drug therapy used to treat OCD?
SSRI’s - They block the reuptake pump in the synapse. This reduces the rate of reabsorption of serotonin, making it more available in the synapse gap. By blocking the transportation, SSRis keep serotonin floating around the synapse space. Due to this increased availability, some serotonin receptors that are inhibitory reduce in number. This makes each serotonin cell fire rapidly to access more serotonin. This neuroadaptation takes a few weeks to occur but helps alleviate OCD symptoms.
What are other drugs that can be prescribed for OCD?
Some other drugs that can be used to treat OCD are valium, benzodiazepine or beta blockers.
Is there supporting research for the biological approach to treating OCD?
Soomro conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies examining effectiveness of SSRIs compared to placebos.
70% of patients responded well and the other 30% responded better to other drugs or a combination of drugs and psychological treatments.
Does the biological approach to treating OCD have unwanted side effects?
Indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive.
Some patients may stop taking their medication, reducing the effectiveness.
Is the biological approach to treating OCD cost effective?
Beneficial for healthcare providers as it saves money compared to other psychological therapies.
Drugs are non-disruptive and can be taken until the symptoms subside. Drugs are more likely to be successful for patients who lack motivation.
Is the biological approach to treating OCD a permanent solution?
Symptoms do often improve, they do not completely disappear, so they are only partially successful.
When patients stop taking drugs, symptoms return.
Therefore people end up dependent on the drugs, which can lead to bad side effects and addiction.
Is the biological approach to treating OCD scientific?
We can collect objective data by comparing symptoms before and after the drug treatment.
The mode of action of the drugs can be studied using blood tests, PET scans, and samples of Cerebrospinal fluid.
