Biological treatments of OCD

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  One strength of the biological approach in treating OCD is the research support for SSRIs as an effective treatment. For example, in Soomro et al.'s review of 17 studies, they found that SSRIs were more effective than placebos in reducing OCD symptoms for up to three months after treatment. This shows that  increasing serotonin concentration within the synapse is crucial to the effectiveness of SSRIs in improving the quality of life for many OCD sufferers. 

  Therefore, research support for SSRIs in treating OCD adds credibility to its effectiveness as a treatment for OCD.
• What is the counter argument to research support for SSRIs as an effective treatment?

  However, since Soomro's research only examined the short-term effects of SSRIs (3 months after treatment), we cannot definitively conclude whether drugs like SSRIs are effective for long-term treatment of OCD. Thus, further empirical research is required to determine if there are potential long-term benefits of SSRIs.
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  One weakness of the biological approach in treating OCD is that the drugs used to treat OCD can have negative and potentially harmful side effects. For example, the side effects of SSRIs include nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and suicidal morbidity. This means  OCD sufferers may stop their drug treatment altogether if they are experiencing a reduced quality of life. Therefore, the side effects of SSRIs reduce its effectiveness as a treatment for OCD.
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  Another weakness of the biological approach in treating OCD is that the drugs don't address the underlying cause of OCD. Maira et al found that when patients stopped using SSRIs, the symptoms of OCD often returned. This indicates that medication only offers temporary relief from symptoms and does not prevent the relapse when the symptoms resurface. Therefore, drug treatments alone do not offer a long-term solution to the underlying cause of OCD.
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  Another strength of the biological approach in treating OCD is that the drugs require less time to be taken. For example, taking a few pills (in the form of SSRIs) only takes a few seconds, whereas therapy sessions can take up an hour a week for several weeks. This means drug treatments are convenient because individuals can fit it into their daily routine without having to go to hospitals or clinics. Therefore, SSRIs as drug treatments are an efficient and less disruptive option for individuals' daily lives.
• Biological approach


  Assumes imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin cause OCD, so drugs correct them
• Serotonin


  Binds to receptor sites, stimulating the postsynaptic neuron and improving mood while reducing anxiety in OCD patients
• SSRI treatment

  Taken daily for about 3-4 months to see a reduction in OCD
• SNRIs

  Block the reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline, having a balancing effect on mood, arousal, and alertness which reduces the symptoms of OCD
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

  Work by inhibiting the rapid reuptake of serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron which in turn increases serotonin levels available in the synapse
• Taking SSRIs

  Usually taken daily for about 3-4 months to see a reduction in OCD
• What is the oldest type of anti-depressant?

  Tricyclics - they are reserved for patients who do not respond to SSRIs