Treating OCD

• Three treatments for OCD - SSRI'S (antidepressants), Tricyclics, BZ's (anti anxiety)
• SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhbitors)

  +block reuptake mechanisms of serotonin to increase the levels at receptor sites on post synaptic membrane. Serotonin associated with the worry circuit.
• Tricyclics (antidepressant)

  First antidepressant to be used, primarily used in OCD treatment now. Block the transport mechanism that reuptakes serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre synaptic cell to prolong their activity, More side effects.
• Anti-anxiety drugs (e.g. BZ's)

  Enhance the activity of GABA to slow the activity of the CNS. GABA has a quieting effect on the brain .
• AO3 strengths

  + Effectiveness - review of 17 studies found SSRI's to be more effective than placebos in reducing OCD symptoms up to 3 months after treatment. However don't know long term effects as the studies were only 4 months long.

  + Drug therapies preferred to other treatments. Requires little input from the patient in terms of effort and time. CBT requires the patient to attent regular sessions and put thoughts into tackling their problems. Drug therapies are cheaper for the health service as they need little monitoring and cost less than CBT.
• AO3 weaknesses

  • Side effects. SSRI's = nausea, headaches and insomnia. Often enough to stop a person taking the drug. Tricyclics have more side effects such as hallucinations and irregular heartbeat. Problems with addiction with BZ's.
  • Not a lasting cure - people relapse within a few weeks of stopping using drug therapies. CBT should be tried first. Effective in the short term and require little effort but are not long lasting.
  • Individual differences - some people don't respond well, others respond very well. Not suitable for everyone. Limits effectiveness.