treatment evaluation

• What is one strength of drug therapy for OCD regarding time?

  It alleviates symptoms quickly.
• How long do SSRIs and tricyclics typically take to show effects?

  2-4 weeks
• Why is the quick alleviation of symptoms a strength of drug therapy?

  Patients are likely to continue treatment.
• What percentage improvement in symptoms was found for tricyclics in Julien (2005)?

  50-80%
• How does drug therapy impact the quality of life for OCD sufferers?

  It allows them to return to work.
• What is one strength of drug therapy regarding its management?

  It is manageable and passive.
• How often do patients typically take drug therapy tablets?

  1-2 times per day
• Why is the manageability of drug therapy a strength?

  Patients are more likely to engage in treatment.
• What is a limitation of drug therapy regarding relapse?

  Patients need to take drugs for life.
• What happens to symptoms if patients stop taking their drugs?

  All symptoms will return.
• Why is the need for lifelong medication a limitation?

  It is inconvenient and costly for the NHS.
• What are some side effects of drug therapies?

  Confusion and dizziness
• What serious side effects are associated with tricyclic clomipramine?

  More common and serious side effects
• Why is the presence of side effects a limitation for drug therapy?

  It reduces quality of life and adherence.
• What is a limitation of drug therapies regarding their effectiveness?

  They do not cure OCD.
• What do drug therapies do to OCD symptoms?

  Make symptoms less noticeable.
• What controversy exists regarding the evidence for drug therapies?

  Evidence may be biased due to sponsorship.
• What is one strength of psychosurgery regarding time?

  It can produce quick results.
• What percentage of patients reported improvement after psychosurgery in Richter et al. (2004)?

  30%
• Why is quick symptom relief a strength of psychosurgery?

  It helps severe cases of OCD.
• What is a limitation of psychosurgery regarding its nature?

  It is an invasive procedure.
• What risks are associated with psychosurgery?

  Cognitive impairment and physical side effects.
• Why is the invasive nature of psychosurgery a limitation?

  It makes it less socially acceptable.
• What is one strength of psychosurgery regarding relapse?

  It can offer long-term relief.
• What did Mallett et al. (2008) find about psychosurgery?

  Significant symptom reduction compared to placebo.
• Why is the possibility of relapse a limitation for psychosurgery?

  Symptoms may return, needing further intervention.
• What are some severe side effects of psychosurgery?

  Cognitive impairments and paralysis.
• Why might the side effects of psychosurgery outweigh its benefits?

  They can be debilitating and long-lasting.
• Why is psychosurgery considered a last resort treatment?

  It is invasive and carries significant risks.
• What does new research into deep-brain stimulation suggest?

  It may reduce OCD symptoms safely.
• What is one strength of drug therapy regarding cost?

  It is cost-effective and widely available.
• How do drug therapies impact health service budgets?

  They lessen the economic impact.
• What did Greist et al. (1995) find in their meta-analysis?

  Drugs were more effective than placebo.
• What are some potential serious side effects of SSRIs?

  Blurred vision and loss of libido.
• What is a limitation of benzodiazepines (BZs)?

  They may cause drowsiness and confusion.
• What is publication bias in drug trials?

  Positive results are more likely published.
• What did Goldacre (2013) find about drug companies?

  They selectively publish positive outcomes.
• Why does selective publication lessen the validity of drug therapies?

  It questions the true effectiveness of drugs.