Treatments of OCD

Question 1

SSRI

Answer 1

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, medication prescribed to OCD sufferers.

Question 2

What do SSRIs aim to do?

Answer 2

Increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Question 3

Synaptic Transmission

Answer 3

Chemical signals are transmitted between two neurons, using neurotransmitters. Electrical impulses trigger the neurotransmitters to be released from the pre-synaptic neuron, and diffuse across the synapse. These are received by the receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, and will then be carried on.

Question 4

Reuptake

Answer 4

When leftover neurotransmitters in the synapse are sent back into the pre-synaptic neuron.

Question 5

How do SSRIs improve OCD symptoms?

Answer 5

They prevent serotonin from reuptaking, meaning that more is inside the synapse. This means it is more likely to be received, and be passed on, so more serotonin will be transmitting through the brain.

Question 6

Biological Treatments - Strengths

Answer 6

• Supporting evidence from Soomro et al. (2009) - reviewed 17 studies with 3000 participants into OCD drug treatments. Found that SSRIs were more effective than placebos in treating symptoms of OCD.
• Less demanding, and therefore more useful for patients of OCD. There are quicker than CBT and other therapies, and don’t require motivation, homework, or commitment.

Question 7

Biological Treatments - Limitations

Answer 7

• Limited usefulness, as SSRIs seem to only treat the symptoms of OCD, not the cause. This is supported by Cromer et al. (2007).
• Soomro et al.’s (2009) research also found many side effects related to SSRIs, including nausea, headaches, and insomnia.
• Alternative treatments, such as CBT may be a more useful process. It is more empowering for the patient, with their active involvement.