The biological approach to treating OCD

• Drug therapy for OCD evaluation:

  • ✅ Effectiveness - evidence in studies, placebo & drug ❌ most studies only last a few months so no long term data
  • ✅ Practical - cheap & little time required
  • ❌ Possible side effects & addiction
  • ❌Only treats symptoms not underlying causes - patients relapse a few weeks after medication is stopped
• The biological approach for treating OCD evaluation:

  • ✅ Effectiveness
  • ✅ Practical
  • ❌ Possible side effects & addiction
  • ❌Only treats symptoms not underlying causes
• The biological approach for treating OCD:

  Anti-depressants for treating OCD:

  • SSRIs (Zoloft) - increase levels of serotonin by blocking re-uptake at the pre-synaptic membrane
  • Tricyclics (Anafranil) - block reabsorption of serotonin & noradrenaline.
  • Tricyclics are used when SSRIs are not effective as they have greater side effects

  Anti-anxiety drugs for treating OCD

  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax) - Enhances the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA which increase the flow of chloride ions into brain which has a quietening effect