Treatment of OCD

• 2 types of drugs are used for treatment

  • antidepressants- like SSRIs
  • anti-anxiety drugs
• how SSRIs work

  SSRIs can improve mood and reduce anxiety, which is common with OCD. The presynaptic neurons release serotonin in the brain in the synapse which then travels to the post synaptic neuron where it is absorbed. Any serotonin which wasn’t absorbed will be reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron. By stopping the reabsorption of the serotonin, more is transmitted to the postsynaptic neuron and so increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. 
• SSRIs usually prescribed for 12-16 weeks, however if they prove ineffective then the patient can be prescribed antipsychotic drugs which lower the dopamine levels in the brain which can cause anxiety at high levels. 
• diagram of the synapse

  
• How else is OCD treated?

  Combination of drugs and CBT
• Benzodiazepines slow down the activity of the central nervous system by enchanting  the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA. It has a ‘quietening effect’ by reacting with GABA receptors, including the flow of chloride ions into the neuron, making it difficult for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters and slowing down its activity. 
• alternatives to SSRIs

  Tricyclics- acts on various systems including the serotonin system where it has the same effect as SSRIs. 

  SNRIs- serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are a different class of antidepressants which increase levels of serotonin as well as another neurotransmitter, noradrenaline. 
• evaluation for the treatment of OCD

  + evidence 

  > Soomro (2009); 17 studies comparing SSRIs with placebos all showed significantly better outcomes for the patients with the real drugs 

    > Skapinakis (2016); concluded from several studies that cognitive and behavioural therapies were more effective than SSRIs in the treatment of OCD 

   + they’re cost-effective and non-disruptive to people’s lives 

   - serious side-effects 

  > side-effects include; blurred vision, loss of sex drive and indigestion. This can seriously reduce someone’s quality of life, even temporarily