Biological approach to treating OCD

• Describe the action of SSRIs

  • Aims to increase serotonin levels in the synapse as low levels are implicated in the worry circuit- aim is to normalise the circuit
  • SSRIs increase serotonin levels, which regulate mood and anxiety
  • Serotonin is released into a synapse and targets receptor cells on a postsynaptic neurone, then reabsorbed after sending its message
  • To increase levels of serotonin in the synapse, SSRIs inhibit this reuptake to increase stimulation to the receiving neurone
• Describe the action of tricyclics?

  • Block the transporter mechanism that re absorbs serotonin and noradrenaline into the presynaptic neurone after it has fired
  • So more serotonin and noradrenaline remain in the synapse, prolonging neurone activity, easing transmission of next impulse
  • Tricyclics have the advantage over SSRIs in that they target more than one neurotransmitter, but they have greater side effects so used when SSRIs aren’t effective
• what are two examples of antidepressants?

  • SSRIs
  • Tricyclics
• What is an example of an anti-anxiety drug?

  • GABA
  • GABA is an example of a BZ
• Describe the action of GABA as an anti anxiety drug

  • When it’s released, has quietening effect on the brain
  • GABA reacts with GABA receptor sites on the receiving neurone
  • This opens a channel that increases the flow of chloride ions into the neurone, making it harder for the neurone to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters
  • The neurone’s activity is slowed down and the person feels more relaxed
• Evaluate biological approach to treating OCD

  • 😊effective - 17 studies reviewed the effects of SSRIs compared to placebo- more effective up to 3 months of treatment.
  • ☹️side effects- nausea, headaches, insomnia, aggression - additional complications
  • 😊less effort and time than treatments like CBT- cheaper for health service as it requires little monitoring
  • ☹️not a lasting/long term cure- maina et al found relapse within a few weeks of medication is stopped- problems with addiction. CBT may need to be tried first as it promises long term solutions