biological approach: treating OCD

• drug therapy for OCD

  • SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):
  • Increase levels of serotonin in the synapse.
  • Prevent reabsorption and breakdown, improving mood and emotional regulation.
  • E.g. Fluoxetine (daily dose: 20mg, may increase if needed).
  • SSRIs + CBT:
  • SSRIs help reduce symptoms so the patient can better engage with CBT.
  • Alternatives to SSRIs:
  • Tricyclics: Older antidepressants, similar effects but more side effects.
  • SNRIs: Increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline.
  • Benzodiazepines: Occasionally used, but less common due to dependence risks.
• key terms

  • Drug therapy: Treatment using drugs that affect neurotransmitters, often used in psychological disorders to adjust chemical imbalances.
• evaluation

  • ✅ Evidence of effectiveness:
  • Soomro et al. (2009): SSRIs more effective than placebo in 17 studies.
  • Most effective when combined with CBT.
  • ✅ Cost-effective & non-disruptive:
  • Cheaper than psychological therapies.
  • Patients can maintain normal routines.
  • ❌ Drugs don’t work for all:
  • Up to 30% of patients do not respond to SSRIs.
  • Often requires trial and error to find suitable medication.
  • ❌ Side effects:
  • E.g. blurred vision, loss of sex drive, weight gain, aggression.
  • ❌ Biased evidence:
  • Some research funded by drug companies; may report favourable outcomes.