AO1

• What is the primary aim of drug therapy for mental disorders?

  To adjust neurotransmitter levels in the brain
• How are low levels of serotonin related to OCD?

  They are associated with the development of OCD
• What is the function of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  To increase serotonin levels in the brain
• How do SSRIs affect serotonin in the synapse?

  They prevent serotonin reuptake and breakdown
• What happens to serotonin after it is released into the synapse?

  It stimulates postsynaptic receptors and is reabsorbed
• What is the role of SSRIs in the treatment of OCD?

  They keep serotonin in the synapse to stimulate neurons
• What should be done if SSRIs are ineffective after three to four months?

  Increase the dose or combine with other drugs
• What are tricyclics and how do they relate to SSRIs?

  They affect serotonin systems similarly but have more side effects
• What is clomipramine?

  It is an older type of antidepressant
• Why is clomipramine generally kept in reserve?

  It has more severe side effects than SSRIs
• What are SNRIs used for in treating OCD?

  They are a second line of defense for patients
• How do SNRIs differ from SSRIs?

  SNRIs increase serotonin and noradrenaline levels
• How are drugs used alongside CBT in treating OCD?

  • Drugs reduce emotional symptoms like anxiety
  • Patients can engage more effectively with CBT
  • Some respond better to CBT alone
  • Others benefit more from drugs like Fluoxetine
• What is the effect of drugs on emotional symptoms in OCD treatment?

  They reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression
• Why might some patients prefer CBT alone over drug treatment?

  They may respond better to therapy without drugs
• What factors influence the effectiveness of different drugs for OCD?

  Patients respond differently to various drugs