Biological approach to treating OCD

• Drug therapy (selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors - SSRIs) for treating OCD

  Treat OCD by increasing serotonin > better mood > less anxiety.

  block serotonin transporters to stop reabsorption of serotonin > more serotonin in synapse > more serotonin in post synaptic neurone
• Examples of SSRI drugs for treating OCD

  Fluoxetine (prozac), 20mg daily for 3-4 months to improve symptoms.

  tricyclics (clomipramine), older and stronger anti depressants.

  SNRI’s: serotonin noradrenaline re uptake inhibitors increases noradrenaline and serotonin
• What is a strength of drug therapy for treating OCD

  Supporting study, meta analysis of 17 studies found significantly better outcomes for SSRI’s than placebos. 70% people on SSRI’s had better symptoms
• What is a weakness of drug therapy for treating OCD

  Not universal as drugs dont work 100%. for some clomipramine is more effective
• What is a weakness of drug therapy for treating OCD

  Support bias, researchers funded by pharmaceutical companies means there is expectation to publish fake findings or conceal negative findings. Exxagerated and biased research
• What is a weakness of drug therapy for treating OCD

  Side effects of fluoxetine are headaches fatigue low libido.

  Drugs reduces quality of life so people dont take them