biological approach treating OCD

• biological approach to treating OCD AO1-points(1)


  • drug therapy for mental disorders aims to increase or decrease levels of NT in the brain or to increase/decrease their activity.
  • low levels serotonin associated with OCD
  • SSRI prevent reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin in the brain, increases levels in synapse and thus serotonin continues to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron
  • typical dose fluoxetine is 20mg although may be increased if not benefitting the person, takes 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to impact upon symptoms
• biological approach to treating OCD AO1-points (2)

  • drugs often used alongside CBT, drugs reduce emotional symptoms so can engage more effectively with CBT
  • SSRIs alternatives : tricyclics, SNRIs
• biological approach to treating OCD AO3- points

  • effectiveness
  • cost-effective and non-disruptive
  • serious side-effects
• biological approach to treating OCD AO3- effectiveness

  • soomro et al- reviewed 17 studies of SSRIs for treatment of OCD. all 17 studies showed better outcomes following SSRIs than placebos
  • typically symptoms reduce for around 70% of people taking SSRIs
  • drugs can be of help to most people with OCD
• biological approach to treating OCD AO3- effectiveness COUNTERPOINT

  • although drug treatments may be better than placebo, they may not be most effective treatments. CBT may be more effective than SSRIs in treatment of old
  • this means that drugs may not be the optimum treatment for OCD
• biological approach to treating OCD AO3- cost effective and non disruptive

  • cheap compared to psychological treatments. good value for NHS
  • non disruptive to peoples lives unlike therapies. if you wish you can simply take drugs until your symptoms decline rather than spending time going to therapy sessions.
  • this means that many doctors and people with OCD prefer drug treatments
• biological approach to treating OCD AO3- drugs can have serious side effects

  • minority of people get no benefitvbut some experience side effects such ass indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive
  • for those taking clomipramine side effects are more common and can be more serious. more than 1 in 10 people experience erection and weight gain problems
  • this means that quality of life is poor and outcome is they may stop taking the drugs altogether, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment