biological treatment

• What is the definition of synaptic transmission?

  how neurotransmitters convey messages from presynaptic neurons to postsynaptic neurons where it is broken down and reused
• What happens if the neurotransmitter is not passed to the receptor site?

  • Reabsorbed into reabsorption channel
  • The enzyme breaks down neurotransmitters if in the synapse for too long

  BOTH MEAN NT IS LESS EFFECTIVE
• What happens when you increase the levels of serotonin?

  Reduce levels of anxiety caused by obsessions that encourage the completion of compulsion
• Drug therapy does NOT get rid of obsessions but REDUCES ANXIETY linked
• Outline the antidepressant SSRIs as a treatment for OCD

  • Increase levels of serotonin
  • Block absorption of serotonin in presynaptic neuron into reabsorption channel to prolong activity in synapse and normalize worry circuit
  • Reduce anxiety (emotional symptoms) associated with obsessions

  EXAMPLE: Prozac

  • 2-3 weeks + 40-50% success rate
• Outline the antidepressant Tricyclics as a treatment for OCD

  • Increase levels of serotonin
  • Block transporter mechanism that reabsorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline (anxiety-related) + prolongs activity in the brain
  • Reduce anxiety associated with obsessions

  EXAMPLE: Anafranil/Clomipramine

  • 2-3 weeks + 50-80% success rate
• Outline the antianxiety drug BZs as a treatment for OCD

  • Slow nervous system to reduce anxiety
  • Enhancing action of the neurotransmitter GABA to have a calming effect on the brain by reducing the firing of signals
  • Reduce anxiety linked to obsessions

  EXAMPLE: Valium/Diazepam

  • 4 weeks + possible withdrawal symptoms
• Outline psychosurgery as a treatment for OCD

  • Disrupt brain signals associated with OCD (worry loop)
  • Radio frequency waves to sever connections between OFC and thalamus
  • Alleviates worry + distress signals
• Outline cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as an alternate treatment for OCD

  • Exposure to freedom of speech with a therapist that prevents avoidance
  • Densensitise patients to obsessions and reduce compulsive behaviours

  HOWEVER: it is not as effective on its own: interactionalist
• What is the definition of an interactionalist?

  product from both biological and environmental influences