Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) act on the serotonin system by preventing the reuptake and breaking down of serotonin by the presynaptic neuron.
Thus, the concentration of serotonin within the synapse increases, causing the post-synaptic neuron to be continually stimulated.
• Tricyclics have a similar effect to SSRIs, but are reserved for those who do not respond well to SSRIs.
Selective noradrenalinereputake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase the concentration of the noradrenaline neurotransmitter in the brain.
WEAKNESS OF DRUG THERAPIES:
Potential serious side effects.
For example, for those taking Clomipramine, more than one in 10 suffer from erection problems, weight gain and tremors.
More than 1 in 100 suffer from increased heart rate and aggressiveness.
These side effects can have serious implications on how the patient can go about their everyday lives.
STRENGTH OF DRUG THERAPIES:
Increased knowledge about the effectiveness of certain drug treatments for OCD and cognitive treatments can reduce the time people take off work through sick days, thus increasing the productivity of the workforce and ensuring that more people are working.
Research into the cost-effectiveness of treatments for OCD can be the basis of public health services choosing which treatments they use, which can help organisations like the NHS save money.
2. STRENGTH OF DRUG THERAPIES:
Cost-effective and non-disruptive.
They are cheap compared to psychological treatments, and so prove to be good value for public health organizations like the NHS.
They are also non-disruptive.
Patients can discretely take the drugs to manage their symptoms and lead a relatively normal life, as compared to life in hospital.