Treating OCD Flashcards
Burger for Antidepressants SSRIs (treating OCD, biological approach
B: SSRIs increase serotonin levels by preventing its reuptake by the presynaptic neuron.
U: This mechanism enhances serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft, which can alleviate OCD symptoms.
R: Soomro et al. found SSRIs to be significantly more effective than placebo treatments over the short term.
G: Highlights the effectiveness of SSRIs in managing OCD compared to no treatment.
E: Provides a non-invasive treatment option, requiring less time and effort than CBT.
R: While effective, they do not address underlying causes and may lead to relapse once treatment is discontinued (Majna et al.).
Burger for tricyclics (treating OCD, biological approach
B: Tricyclic antidepressants block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin but come with a range of side effects.
U: By increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters, tricyclics can help alleviate obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
R: Despite their effectiveness, side effects such as hallucinations can make them less desirable (Koran et al.).
G: They may be considered a second-line treatment due to their potential side effects.
E: Useful for patients who do not respond to SSRIs, but the side effects may deter adherence to treatment.
R: They serve as an alternative option, but the severity of side effects must be weighed against potential benefits.
Burger for anti anxiety drugs BZ (treating OCD, biological approach
B: Benzodiazepines (BZs) enhance the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system.
U: This reduction in neural activity can help manage anxiety symptoms associated with OCD.
R: D-Cycloserine has been shown to reduce anxiety and is particularly relevant in the context of OCD treatment (Kushner et al.).
G: Provides rapid relief from anxiety symptoms, which can be beneficial in acute situations.
E: However, they carry risks of addiction and are generally considered for short-term use only.
R: While effective for immediate anxiety relief, they do not address the root causes of OCD, raising concerns about long-term dependency.
