Biological treatments of OCD

• What are SSRI's?

  A type of antidepressant that elevates the levels of serotonin and cause the orbitofrontal cortex to function at more normal levels.
• How do SSRI's work?

  Prevent re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin in the presynaptic neuron, causing serotonin levels to rise in the synapse. This compensates for whatever is causing lower serotonin levels and in turn OCD. The effectiveness of the drug can't be determined until 3-4 months have passed.
• What are some alternatives to SSRI's?

  • SNRI's increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine by stopping reabsorption into the presynaptic neuron
  • Tricyclics (type of antidepressant) e.g. clomipramine work in the same way as SSRI's
  • Anti-anxiety drugs
  • Benzodiazepines increase levels of the neurotransmitter GABA (a calming neurotransmitter). Therefore, there is more inhibition in key areas of the brain, reducing anxiety
• Positive evaluation points of BT of OCD:

  • Drug therapies effective at dealing with symptoms of OCD. Soomro et al looked at patients on SSRI's compared to those taking a placebo. He found that of the 17 studies reviewed, SSRI's were most efficient at reducing the symptoms. Typically, symptoms reduced significantly for 70% of patients
  • Drugs are relatively cheap to administer and user friendly, compared to psychological treatments. They're non-disruptive to patients lives and don't require commitment or time.
• Negative evaluation points of BT of OCD:

  • Tackles symptoms rather than problems; only offers temporary alleviation of symptoms. When patients stop taking them, effectiveness ceases. Might be better long term to seek psychological treatment to deal with root problem
  • Side effects of SSRI's include anxiety, sexual dysfunction, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. These can lead some patients to not take their medication or be put off trying it.