AO1

•  Biological treatments for OCD aim to restore biological imbalances, such as too little serotonin. Drug treatments are based on the assumption that chemical imbalances are the main cause of the problem.
• Two types of drug are used for the treatment of OCD:

  1. antidepressants
  2. anti-anxiety drugs.
• Antidepressant drugs- The biological explanation suggests that OCD (and depression) is the result of low levels of the serotonin in the brain. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are one type of antidepressant drug, which include drugs like Prozac
• Antidepressant drugs

  • When serotonin is released from the presynaptic cell into the synapse, it travels to the receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron. Serotonin which is not absorbed into the postsynaptic neuron is reabsorbed into the sending cell (the presynaptic neuron). SSRIs increase the level of serotonin available in the synapse by preventing it from being reabsorbed into the sending cell. This increases level of serotonin in the synapse and results in more serotonin being received by the receiving cell (post-synaptic neuron).
• If SSRIs are ineffective then non-selective reuptake drugs called tricyclics (such as clomipramine) may be used, as may SNRIS that influence noradrenaline, however these are often second choice due to their more intense side effects.
• Antidepressants (like anti-anxiety drugs) improve mood and reduce anxiety which is experienced by patients with OCD.
• • Anti-anxiety drugs- Benzodiazepines (BZs) are a range of anti-anxiety drugs, which include trade names like Valium and Diazepam. BZs work by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
• Anti-anxiety drugs

  • GABA tells neurons in the brain to ‘slow down’ and ‘stop firing’ and around 40% of the neurons in the brain respond to GABA. This means that BZs have a general quietening influence on the brain and consequently reduce anxiety, which is experienced as a result of the obsessive thoughts