Describe + evaluate biological approach to treat OCD

• AO1- define OCD

  Anxiety disorder which is made from obsessions, intrusive thoughts and compulsions
• AO1- reuptake of serotonin

  reuptake happens when molecules of serotonin don’t cross the synaptic cleft (don’t reach the postsynaptic neuron)

  the spare molecules are taken back to the presynaptic neuron
• AO1- SSRIs

  work by preventing/inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron

  prevention of reuptake means serotonin more accessible in the brain

  more serotonin is then available to improve the transmission of messages between neurons

  SSRIs are selective as they only affect serotonin

  can be effective for OCD as well as depression
• AO1- BZ

  anti-anxiety drugs can induce the feeling of calm

  encourage the transmission of GABA which control neuron hyperactivity which is associated with fear, anxiety and stress

  they help quieten the brain by reducing neurotransmission

  reduce obsessive thoughts in OCD
• AO3- quick treatment

  less effort for the patient unlike CBT

  cheaper than other forms of therapy and therapists don’t need to be trained for it to be carried out
• AO3- study supporting

  a study of a meta analysis of placebo. controlled trials

  found drugs were more effective than placebo at reducing. the symptoms of OCD
• AO3- serious side effects

  SSRIs- blurred vision, irritability, indigestion, sleep disturbance

  BZ- cause drowsiness, light-headedness, slurred speech

  limits usefulness as less people Would want to use it
• AO3- publishing the bad results

  drug companies selectively publish positive outcomes for the drugs they’re selling

  this is unethical and reduces the validity as you can’t find out if it’s truly effective in treating OCD