Explanation

• What is the purpose of drug therapy in biological treatment?


  To affect the functioning of the brain or other body systems
• How do drugs affect neurotransmitter levels in psychological disorders?


  They aim to increase or decrease neurotransmitter levels to modify brain activity
• What is the relationship between neurotransmitter levels and behavior?


  Changes in neurotransmitter levels affect processing and behavior
• What psychological disorder is associated with low levels of serotonin?


  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• How do drugs treat OCD related to serotonin levels?


  They work to increase the level of serotonin in the brain
• What happens in the serotonin system during neurotransmission?


  • Serotonin is released from the presynaptic neuron
  • It travels across the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron
  • Excess serotonin is reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron
• What does SSRI stand for?


  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
• What is the function of SSRIs?


  They inhibit the reuptake of selective serotonin neurotransmitters
• How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels in the brain?


  They prevent the breakdown and reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its levels
• What is the mechanism of action for SSRIs?


  • SSRIs block reabsorption sites in the presynaptic neuron
  • Excess serotonin remains in the synapse
  • More serotonin travels to the postsynaptic neuron
• How do SSRIs assist in the treatment of OCD when combined with CBT?


  They reduce emotional characteristics like anxiety, allowing better engagement in CBT
• What is the response variability to CBT and SSRIs in treating OCD?


  Some people respond best to CBT alone, while others benefit more from drugs
• What should be done if SSRIs show no effect after 3 to 4 months?


  The dose is increased or combined with other drugs
• What are tricyclics in relation to SSRIs?


  They are older types of antidepressants with similar effects to SSRIs
• What is a drawback of tricyclics compared to SSRIs?


  Tricyclics usually have more severe side effects