The biological approach to treating OCD

• Antidepressants: SSRIs

  • Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors • Most commonly used drugs for anxiety disorders thus OCD

  • SSRIs work by blocking the re-take sites (thus preventing the re-absorption and breakdown) of serotonin SSRIs effectively increase its levels in the synapse and thus continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron

  • Increasing levels of serotonin may normalise the ‘worry’ circuit, and regulates mood and anxiety
• Antidepressants: Tricyclics

  • First antidepressant used for OCD

  • Tricyclics block the transportation mechanism that re-absorbs serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre-synaptic cell

  • As a result, more of these neurotransmitters are left in the synapse , prolonging their activity and easing transmission of the next impulse
• Anti-anxiety drugs: Benzodiazepines (BZ)

  • BZs slow down the activity of the central nervous system by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA

  • GABA = has a quietening effect, is a natural brain chemical

  • BZs react with GABA receptors on the outer of the receiving neuron, this makes it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters

  • The neurons activity is slowed down, and induces feelings of relaxation