Drug therapy

• Drug therapy for mental disorders aims to increase/decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain or increase/decrease their activity
• What is the antidepressant drug used to tackle the symptoms of OCD?

  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
• SSRIs work on the serotonin in the brain
• Serotonin is released by certain neurons (presynaptic neurons) in the brain and travels across a synapse
• The neurotransmitter chemically conveys the signal from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron and then it is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron where it is broken down and reused
• How do SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the synapse?

  By preventing the reabsorption and breakdown
• What is the effect of increased serotonin from SSRIs?

  Compensates for whatever is wrong with the serotonin system in OCD
• SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the synapse and therefore continue to stimulate the post synaptic neuron
• When does dosage of a SSRI vary?

  According to which one is prescribed
• When may a daily dosage of SSRI "Flouxetine" be increased?

  If it is not benefitting the person
• What is the typical daily dole of SSRI "Flouxetine"?

  20mg
• What is an example of a SSRI?


  Flouxetine
• How long of daily usage of SSRIs does it take to have an impact?

  3-4 months
• Drugs are often used alongside cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to treat OCD
• Why are drugs often used alongside CBT to treat OCD?

  The drugs reduce a person's emotional symptoms, so they can engage more effectively with the CBT
• Some people respond best to CBT alone while others benefit from it alongside SSRIs like fluoxetine
• What might happen where an SSRI is not effective after 3-4 months?

  The dose can be increased OR it can be combined with other drugs
• What are two types of alternative drugs to SSRIs?

  Tricyclics, SNRIs
• SSRIs

  A) SSRI blocking reabsorption of serotonin

  B) Presynaptic nerve

  C) Synapse

  D) Postsynaptic nerve

  
• Tricyclics

  Acts on various systems (such as the serotonin system) - can have more severe side effects than SSRIs
• SNRIs

  Increases levels of serotonin as well as noradrenaline