Biological treatments for ocd

• How does drug therapy in OCD work?

  the level of neurotransmitters in the brain are increased/decreased or their activity levels are altered.
• What is the general anti-depressant used to help treat OCD?


  SSRIs- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• How do SSRIs work?

  it prevents reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin. it effectively increases levels of serotonin in the synapse and continues to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron.
• what’s the most typical SSRI called and how is it used?


  a 20mg dose of fluoxetine taken daily; the dose might increase if it’s not effective for the patient within 3-4 months
• What other treatment is SSRI paired with?

  patients engage with CBT better after taking SSRIs as their symptoms of anxiety and depression decrease
• What are the 3 alternatives to SSRIs?

  if not affective after 3-4 months, a therapist might prescribe tricyclics (an older type of anti-depressant) or SNRIs (increases neurotransmitter noradrenaline)