Biological Approach to Treating OCD

• :) RTS Soomro

  > reviewed 17 studies of the use of SSRI's to treat OCD - found they were more effective in reducing symptoms of OCD than placebos

  > symptoms reduced in around 70% of people taking SSRI's - the remaining 30% can be helped with alternative drugs or a combination with psychological therapies

  > shows the effectiveness of drug therapy
• :) require little motivation

  > patients only have to take a tablet to reduce symptoms of OCD, unlike CBT, as they have to attend sessions

  > some patients may, therefore, prefer drug therapy

  discussion - also cost-effective for the NHS and benefits the economy (money saved on treating OCD with drug therapy can be spent elsewhere)
• :( negative side effects

  > SSRI's can cause nausea, headaches and insomnia

  > patients may become distressed from the side effects and stop taking their medication

  > this reduces the appropriateness and effectiveness of drug therapy