Treating OCD

• What is the main treatment for OCD?

  Using drugs
• Why do we use antidepressants for OCD?

  To increase serotonin levels
• What do SSRIs stand for?

  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
• How do SSRIs work?

  They prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed
• Why might SSRIs be used alongside CBT?

  Because SSRIs take a long time to be effective
• What can SSRIs be swapped out for if ineffective?

  Tricyclics or SNRIs
• What do SNRIs increase in addition to serotonin?

  Noradrenaline levels
• What evidence supports the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  • Soomro found SSRIs reduce symptom severity by 70%
  • 30% of patients use alternative drugs
  • Improved quality of life for OCD sufferers
• What are the cost-effectiveness and lifestyle impacts of drug treatments for OCD?

  • Thousands of drugs can be manufactured simultaneously
  • Cheaper than psychological treatments
  • Patients can maintain their lifestyle without major changes
• What are some serious side effects of SSRIs?

  Loss of sex drive and weight gain
• How can side effects of SSRIs impact a patient's life?

  They may reduce quality of life