OCD - treatments

• What is the primary aim of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  To correct neurotransmitter imbalance
• How do SSRIs reduce symptoms of OCD?

  By inhibiting serotonin breakdown and reabsorption
• How long does it typically take for SSRIs to reduce OCD symptoms?

  3–4 weeks of daily use
• What additional benefits do anti-depressants provide for OCD patients?

  They improve mood and reduce anxiety
• What do SNRIs do in relation to neurotransmitters?

  Increase serotonin and nor-adrenaline levels
• What is the mechanism of action for tricyclics?

  They block re-absorption of serotonin and noradrenaline
• What is a disadvantage of using tricyclics compared to SSRIs?

  They have more severe side effects
• How do benzodiazepines (BZs) affect the brain?

  They enhance the activity of GABA
• What is the effect of GABA on neurons?

  It tells neurons to slow down
• What is a strength of biological treatments for OCD according to Soomro et al. (2008)?

  SSRIs are more effective than placebos
• Why are biological treatments considered cost-effective?

  They are cheaper than psychological treatments
• What is a disadvantage of biological treatments for OCD?

  They may cause addiction and side effects
• What are some serious side effects of benzodiazepines?

  Hallucinations and memory impairments
• What is a criticism of drug treatments for OCD?

  They do not treat the underlying cause
• What might happen if a patient stops taking SSRIs?

  They may relapse into OCD symptoms
• What is a potential issue with the delayed effects of SSRIs?

  Patients may give up on treatment
• Why might exposure response therapy be more effective for some patients?

  Not all OCD cases are biological in origin
• What is the mechanism of action for SSRIs in detail?

  They inhibit serotonin breakdown and reabsorption
• What neurotransmitters do SNRIs affect?

  Serotonin and nor-adrenaline
• How does GABA contribute to anxiety reduction?

  It inhibits neuron firing in the brain
• Why is patient motivation important in psychological treatments?

  It affects the success of therapy
• How do SSRIs compare to tricyclics in effectiveness?

  SSRIs are generally preferred due to fewer side effects
• What are the long-term implications of stopping medication for OCD?

  Patients may experience a relapse of symptoms
• How can trauma influence OCD treatment options?

  It may suggest non-biological treatments are better