Biological treatment for OCD

• Drug therapy for OCD aims to increase the activity of serotonin in the brain.
• SSRI’s developed to treat depression, but it’s also found to be beneficial on symptoms of OCD.
• SSRI’s prevent the reuptake of serotonin and prolong its activity in the synapse in order to reduce anxiety and normalise the worry circuit.
• Drugs are often used alongside CBT.
• Some side effects to SSRI’s

  • headaches
  • dried mouth
  • blurred vision
  • sexual dysfunction
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • agitation
  • insomnia
  • weight gain
• SSRI stands for selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors.