treatments

• treatment is linked to:

  -imbalance in neurotransmitter levels

  -restore neurotransmitter levels to correct amount

  > drugs
• anti-depressants 


  -most common drug to treat OCD

  -low serotonin levels linked to malfunctioning OFC

  -increasing serotonin levels may normalise OFC

  -reduce obsessions & anxiety with OCD
• what are SSRIs?


  -type of anti-depressant

  -Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
• neurotransmission


  -neurotransmitter released by presynaptic neuron

  -diffuses across synapse to bind with receptor sites on post-synaptic neuron

  -afterwards, serotonin reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron where it's broken down & reused
• neurotransmission without SSRIs


  -vesicles release neurotransmitters into synaptic cleft

  -neurotransmitter binds to receptors & activates them

  -enzymes are released to break down the neurotransmitter

  -excess neurotransmitter taken by pre-synaptic neurone
• SSRIs in transmission


  -SSRIs work on transmission of serotonin in brain

  > increasing serotonin levels in synapse

  -prevent reabsorption & breakdown of serotonin by blocking reuptake pumps

  -results in higher serotonin levels at synapse

  -can continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron

  -compensates low serotonin levels found in OCD patients
• what does SSRIs blocking reuptake pumps result in?

  higher serotonin levels at the synapse
• neurotransmission process with SSRIs

  -SSRIs block reuptake of serotonin at pre-synaptic neuron > increasing serotonin concentration at receptors
• neurotransmission dosage 


  -varies according to particular SSRIs described

  -Fluoxentine = 20mg

  -may be increased if not benefitting patient

  -drug available in capsules/liquid

  -takes 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to have impact on OCD symptoms
• other options not SSRIs

  -if SSRIs not effective after 3-4 months > dosage increased / combined with other drugs

  -sometimes different anti-depressants are tried > Tricyclics
• Tricyclics 


  -older type of anti-depressant

  -have same effect on serotonin system as SSRIs

  -more severe side effects

  -only used for patients who don't respond to SSRIs