bio - treating OCD

• one biological cause of mental disorders is an imbalance of neurotransmitter levels in the brain. therefore, drug therapy aims to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters
• The standards drug treatment for OCD involves selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• serotonin is released by the presynaptic neuron and travels across the synapse to receptors on the receiving neuron. then reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron and reused. However, SSRIs, block the presyanptic reuptake sites so serotonin canno0t be absorbed, which effectively increases levels of serotonin in the synapse allowing it to continue to stimulate the postsynaptic receptors.
• a typical SSRI is fluxetine given at a daily dose of 20mg but can be increased
• if patient is unresponsive to SSRIs they can be prescribed an antidepressant called a tricyclic. clomipramine was historically the first antidepressant to be given to OCD sufferers. Tricyclics block the reuptake of serotonin. However, they have greater side effects and therefore not offered as the first treatment option.
• anti anxiety drugs are also given to treat anxiety that accompanies OCD. Patients are given benzodiazepines which increase the effectiveness of a naturally occurring neurochemical called GABA. we produce this chemical when we need to calm our physiological responses and brain activity. Therefore benzodiazepines mimic GABA and lead to less nerve activity in the brain, reducing anxiety.