The biological approach to treating OCD: drug therapy

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Drug therapies to treat mental disorders aim to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain or to increase or decrease their activity. Low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD, therefore drugs work in various ways to increase the level of serotonin in the brain.

SSRIS:

These are antidepressants that work on the serotonin system in the brain. Serotonin is released by certain neurons in the brain (presynaptic neurons that travel across synapses). By preventing the re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin SSRIs effectively increase the serotonin levels in the synapse and continue to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron. This compensates for whatever the issue is with the serotonin system in OCD. A typical daily dose of Fluoxetine is 20mg although it may be increased if its not benefitting the patient. The drug is available as capsules or liquids and it takes three to four months of drug use to have much impact on the symptoms.

Combining SSRIs with other treatments:

Drugs are often used alongside CBT to treat OCD. The drugs reduce emotional symptoms, such as feeling anxious or depressed, allowing the patient to engage more effectively with the CBT. In practise some respond best to CBT alone, while others benefit more from drugs such as Fluoxetine. Occasionally other drugs are prescribed alongside SSRIs.

Alternatives to SSRIs:

If the SSRI is ineffective after 3 or 4 months the dose can be increased or it can be combined with other drugs.

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