Treatment

• Drug therapy

  1. SSRIs
  2. Side effects
  3. Combining SSRIs
  4. Alternatives to SSRIs
• SSRIs

  • prevent the re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin which increases its levels in the synapse
  • this continues to stimulate the post synaptic neuron compensating for whatever's wrong in OCD
  • it takes 3-4 months for SSRIs to impact symptoms
• SSRIs Side effects

  • include insomnia, nausea and headaches
• Combining SSRIs

  • often used alongside CBT as they reduce emotional symptoms allowing patients to engage in CBT more effectively
• Alternatives to SSRIs (1)

  Tricyclics (antidepressants)

  • inhibit serotonin reuptake more effective but greater side effects (concentration problems, insomnia)
• Alternatives to SSRIs (2)

  Benzodiazepines (anti anxiety)

  • slow down CNS buy enhancing GABA neurotransmitter which has a quieting effect
  • side effects - addiction, aggression
• (DS) + Effectiveness

  • research reviewed studies comparing SSRIs and placebos and concluded all studies showed better results for SSRIs
• (DT) - Drugs dont work for everyone

  • despite a 70% success rate, drugs dont work on 30%, some drug research is bias as it's sponsored by the drug companies
• (DT) + Cost effective and non-disruptive

  • generally cheaper than psychological treatments, reducing NHS financial burden and are quicker/easier to take

  
  

  - Short term solution which may be more expensive/disruptive in the long term
• (DT) - Side effects

  • most patients experience side effects which can lead them to stop taking the drugs, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment