4.7.1 Drug Therapy

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts called obsessions
• OCD treatment is essential to improve quality of life and prevent interference with daily functioning.
• The biological approach to treating OCD addresses neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain using medication
• How do Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) work in the brain?

  Block serotonin reuptake
• SSRIs have fewer side effects compared to older drugs like Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs).
• Match the drug type with its mechanism of action and common side effects:

  SSRIs ↔️ Increase serotonin levels; nausea, headaches

  TCAs ↔️ Increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels; dry mouth, constipation
• In individuals with OCD, serotonin levels are often found to be lower than normal
• Why are SSRIs used to treat OCD symptoms?

  Increase serotonin levels
• Serotonin deficiency in OCD contributes to anxiety and compulsions.
• SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake
• Order the steps by which SSRIs reduce OCD symptoms:

  1️⃣ Block serotonin reuptake

  2️⃣ Increase serotonin levels

  3️⃣ Improve communication between neurons

  4️⃣ Reduce anxiety and compulsions
• Research shows that SSRIs are effective in reducing OCD symptoms compared to placebos.
• What is often recommended for the long-term management of OCD symptoms?

  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• A common side effect of SSRIs is nausea
• Match the common side effect of SSRIs with its management strategy:

  Nausea ↔️ Take medication with food

  Headaches ↔️ Over-the-counter pain relievers
• What does SSRI stand for in the context of OCD treatment?

  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
• SSRIs are effective in treating OCD by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
• What is a common initial side effect of SSRIs as the body adjusts to increased serotonin levels?

  Nausea
• Sexual dysfunction is a significant concern for many patients taking SSRIs, affecting libido and sexual performance
• What is a management strategy for sleep disturbances caused by SSRIs?

  Adjust dosage timing
• Gastrointestinal issues from SSRIs can be managed by increasing dietary fiber.
• Match the side effect with its management strategy:

  Nausea ↔️ Take medication with food

  Headaches ↔️ Over-the-counter pain relievers

  Sleep Disturbances ↔️ Adjust dosage timing

  Sexual Dysfunction ↔️ Discuss alternative medications
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts called obsessions
• OCD treatment is essential to improve quality of life and prevent obsessions from interfering with daily functioning.
• What is one benefit of treating OCD mentioned in the study material?

  Reduced compulsions
• The biological approach to treating OCD often involves using medication to address neurotransmitter imbalances
• SSRIs are the most common drugs used in the biological approach to treating OCD.
• What is the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs in the brain?

  Increase serotonin levels
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels but can cause side effects like dry mouth and heart issues
• SSRIs are generally better tolerated than TCAs due to fewer side effects.
• What neurotransmitter is often found at lower levels in individuals with OCD?

  Serotonin
• In individuals with OCD, serotonin levels are often lower than normal, which disrupts mood and impulse control
• SSRIs are used to increase serotonin levels in the brain and improve OCD symptoms.
• Steps outlining how SSRIs work in the brain

  1️⃣ SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in the synaptic cleft

  2️⃣ Serotonin levels increase in the brain

  3️⃣ Communication between neurons improves

  4️⃣ Anxiety associated with OCD reduces
• How do SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain?

  Blocking serotonin reuptake
• SSRIs are known for their fewer side effects compared to TCAs.
• TCAs are more effective for severe depression but have more side effects than SSRIs.
• Match the drug type with its effect on serotonin:

  SSRIs ↔️ Increases serotonin levels

  TCAs ↔️ Increases serotonin and norepinephrine
• Steps in the mechanism of action of SSRIs

  1️⃣ Release of serotonin into the synaptic cleft

  2️⃣ Binding of serotonin to postsynaptic receptors

  3️⃣ Reuptake of serotonin by presynaptic neurons

  4️⃣ Blocking of reuptake by SSRIs

  5️⃣ Increased levels of serotonin in the brain
• In OCD, SSRIs help address lower than normal serotonin levels