Treatment of OCD: Psychopathology

• AO1- SSRIs

  - These are a type of anti-depressants which work on the serotonin system

  -ususally serotonin in released by the presynaptic neuron and travels across the synapse and then chemically conveys a signal to the post synaptic neuron and then its reabsorbed byy the resynaptic neuron where its broken down and reused

  -SSRIs prevent the re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin so increases its levels in the synapse so the postsynaptic neuron continues to be stimulate and compensates for whatever is wrong with the serotonin system in OCD
• AO1- SSRIS


  COMBINING SSRIS with other treatment

  -Drugs often used outside of CBT

  -Drugs reduce emotional symptoms such as anxiety which means a patient is more likely to be able to access CBT

  ALTERNATIVES TO SSRIS

  -when an ssri is not effective the dose can be increased or combined

  -sometimes diff antidepressants are tried

  -tricylics can be used- they work on serotonin system but have more severe side effects

  -SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as another neurotransmitter called noradrenalin
• AO3- strength


  -Good evidence of effectiveness

  -Clear evidence they reduce severity and improve quality of life for people with OCD

  -Study reviewed 17 studies comparing SSRIs to placeebos and all 17 studies showed significantly better outcomes for SSRIs

  -70% of people taking SSRIs found symptoms reduced

  -Means that drugs appear to be helpful for most with ocd
• AO3- counterpoint


  - evidence suggests that even if drug treatments are helpful to most with OCD they may not be the most effective treatments available

  -Study carried out a review of outcome studies and concluded both cog and behavioural therapies were more effective than SSRIs in the treatment of OCD

  -This means that drugs may not be the optimum treatment for OCD
• AO3- limitation


  -potentially serious side effects

  -although they can help some people feel no benefit

  -side effects such as indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive can be temporary but still distressing

  -Other drugs can have side effects such as weight gain, aggression and heart problems

  -Means that some have a reduced quality of life as a result of taking the drugs and may stop taking them altogether, meaning the drugs cease to be effective