Treating OCD - AO1

Question 1

What is the aim of drug therapy?

Answer 1

Aims to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain or to increase/decrease their activity

Question 2

What are SSRIs?

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Antidepressant used to tackle the symptoms of OCD
They work on the serotonin system of the brain

Question 3

How do SSRIs work? (steps)

Answer 3

1. Serotonin is released by the presynaptic neuron and travels across the synapse by diffusion
2. The neurotransmitter chemically conveys the signal from the presynaptic neuron to the post synpatic neuron
3. It is reabsorbed by the presynpatic neuron where it is broken down and reused

Question 4

What do SSRIs do?

Answer 4

They effectively increase levels of serotonin in the synapse and these continue to stimulate the post - synaptic neuron by preventing the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin

Question 5

Why are drugs used alongside CBT?

Answer 5

The drugs reduce emotional symptoms (anxious or depressed)
This makes it easier for people to engage more effectively with the CBT

Question 6

What happens if SSRIs are not effective?

Answer 6

After 3-4 months of not being effective the dose can be increased (up to 60mg a day for fluroxetine) or combined with other drugs

Question 7

What are tricyclics?

Answer 7

Older and acts on various systems including the serotonin system - same effect as SSRIs
Clompremine - more severe side effects (only for people who do not respond to SSRIs

Question 8

What are SNRIs?

Answer 8

Serotonin - noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
More recent
Increase serotonin as well as noradrenaline
They are a second line of defense for those who do not respond to SSRIs