OCD biological treatment

• SSRIs

  • antidepressants
  • block reuptake of serotonin from the synapse back into the presynaptic nerve ending
• tricyclics

  • antidepressants
  • blocks both serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse back into the presynaptic nerve ending
• anti-anxiety drugs

  • slows down the activity of the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA that has a quieting effect on many of the neurons of the brain
  • when GABA is released, it reacts with GABA receptors on the receiving neuron and opens a channel that increases the flow of chloride ions into the neurons
  • chloride ions make it harder for the neurons to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters, thus slowing activity and making the person feel more relaxed
• (+) research support for drug therapy

  • meta-analysis found SSRIs more effective than placebos in treating OCD in short term
  • C/A: insufficient evidence for long-term effect
• (-) side effects may outweigh benefits

  • SSRIs - nausea, headaches, insomnia
  • tricyclic antidepressants - hallucinations, irregular heartbeat
  • side effects may be so bad it causes patient to go off medication and thus relapse
• (-) not treating disorder, just symptom prevention

  • not a lasting cure
  • only providing temporary relief
  • patients relapse within a few weeks of stopping medication