Biological treatment to OCD

• SSRIs- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor –

  • Typical daily dosage of 20mg of fluoxetine.
  • Dosage can increase (60mg) if the desired results aren’t achieved in 3-4 months.
  • In capsule or liquid form.
  • Used to block the serotonin being reabsorbed and broken down.
  • Allow the serotonin transmission to increase.
• SSRIs- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor –

  
• Alternative treatments-

  • Dosage increased to 60mg if there is no result within 3-4 months, and other drugs can be introduced as well.
  • Tricyclics (clomipramine) is another type of antidepressants, acts on serotonin and has the same and more sever sue effects to SSRIs, so is only used as a reserve if there isn’t a result from SSRIs.
  • SNRIs (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) more recent OCD treatment, increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline, but also has side effects like erectile dysfunction.
• Combination therapies-

  • Drugs along side CBT.
  • The drugs reduce the emotional symptoms so the client is able to engage in therapy openly and properly.
• • CPS- Soomro et al (2009) did a meta-analysis of 17 studies using SSRIs and placebos, found that there was a significant effect for SSRIs, reduced 70% of symptoms.
  • CPW- Skapinakis et al (2016) found that cognitive and behavioural therapies were more effective, even though the drug treatments have been shown as effective, therapies are more effective.
• • S- Cost effective option (drugs) and doesn’t disrupt the lives of the patients.
  • W- Side effects of the drugs (indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive) all mainly short term.
• • CPS- Best evidence available supports the drugs being useful for OCD.
  • CPW- Goldacre (2013) companies sponsor psychologists making their review possibly bias.