AO1 Treating OCD

• drug treatments focus on making levels of certain neurotransmitters stable
• how do SSRIs treat OCD?

  • association between low levels of serotonin and OCD
  • SSRIs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressant)
  • serotonin released from pre-synaptic neuron into synaptic cleft, diffuses across to serotonin receptors on post-synaptic neuron and reabsorbed into pre-synaptic neuron
  • SSRIs prevent reabsorption into pre-synaptic neuron and increases levels of serotonin in synapse, increasing concentration at receptors, increasing stimulation of receiving nerve
  • improves mood and reduces anxiety
• how do anti-anxiety drugs treat OCD?

  • BZs - enhance action of GABA, tells brain to slow down
  • reducing influence on brain activity, reducing anxiety common in OCD sufferers due to obsessive irrational thoughts
  • nervous system slows down making sufferer feel more relaxed
  • anti-anxiety and anti-depressants are now more effective (than e.g. triglycerides) as they are more specific to a hormone/neurotransmitter, don't affect any other hormone activity