ocd treatment

• drug therapy?

  antidepressants: ssris, antidepressants: tricyclics, anti-anxiety drugs, other drugs
• ssris?

  most commonly used drug for ocd, increase levels of serotonin (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors)
• ssris work by?

  serotonin is released into a synapse from one nerve/neuron, it targets receptor cells on the receiving neuron at receptor sites and, afterwards, is re-absorbed by the initial neuron. in order to increase levels of serotonin at the synapse, and increase stimulation to the receiving neuron, this re-absorption is inhibited
• tricyclics?


  clomipramine was the first antidepressant used for ocd and today is primarily used for ocd. tricyclics block the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre-synaptic cell after it has fired
• what is the result of the transporter mechanism that re-absorbs serotonin and noradrenaline being blocked?

  more of these neurotransmitters are left in the synapse, prolonging their activity, and easing transmission of the next impulse
• tricyclics eval?

  advantage of targeting more than one neurotransmitter. however, they have greater side effects so are used where ssris are not effective
• anti-anxiety drugs?

  benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce anxiety. they slow down the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that has a general quietening effect on many of the neurons in the brain
• how do benzodiazepines work?

  by reacting with special sites on the outside of the receiving neurons. when gamma-aminobutyric acid locks into these receptors, it opens a channel that increases the flow of chloride ions into the neuron. chloride ions make it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters, thus making the person feel more relaxed
• other drugs?

  d-cycloserine has an effect and reducing anxiety and thus may be an effective treatment for ocd, particularly when used in conjunction with psychotherapy. d-cycloserine is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. it also enhances the transmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid
• what is gaba (gamma-aminobutyric acid)?

  a neurotransmitter that regulates excitement in the nervous system, thus acting as a natural form of anxiety reducer
• what is noradrenaline?

  a neurotransmitter found mainly in areas of the brain that are involved in governing autonomic nervous system activity
• what is serotonin?

  a neurotransmitter implicated in many different behaviours and physiological processes, including aggression, eating behaviour, sleep and depression