Assuming that OCD is caused by a neurochemical imbalance in the brain, antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used as treatment.
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How do SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain?
SSRIs increase serotonin levels by blocking the reuptake pump in the synapse, which reduces the rate of reabsorption and breakdown, allowing more serotonin to attach to receptors.
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What other treatments are used alongside SSRIs?
SSRIs are used alongside CBT to treat OCD. The drugs reduce emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression which makes them engage more effectively with the therapy.
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What are the alternatives to SSRIs?
If an SSRI is not effective after 3 or 4 months, the dose can be increased, or sometimes other antidepressants such as tricyclics or SNRIs (serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) are tried.
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What are the strengths of biological treatments of OCD?
Biological treatments of OCD are cost-effective and non-disruptive to people’s lives, and they have research support for their effectiveness.
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What research supports the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating OCD?
Soomro et al (2009) found that 70% of patients with OCD find SSRIs effective in reducing their symptoms.
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What is the issue with studies which support the effectiveness of SSRIs?
According to Goldacre (2013), researchers are biased as they are sponsored by drug companies and may selectively publish positive outcomes for the drugs their sponsors are selling.
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What are the limitations of biological treatments of OCD?
Drug therapy may not be the most effective treatment available and they have serious side effects.
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What are the side effects of SSRIs?
Side effects of SSRIs include indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive, which although are usually temporary, can be quite distressing and sometimes long-lasting.
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Which study supports the effectiveness of other treatments?
Skapinakis et al (2016) found that both cognitive and behavioural exposure therapies were more effective than SSRIs in the treatment of OCD.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
How do SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain?
Back
SSRIs increase serotonin levels by blocking the reuptake pump in the synapse, which reduces the rate of reabsorption and breakdown, allowing more serotonin to attach to receptors.
Card 3
Front
What other treatments are used alongside SSRIs?
Back
Card 4
Front
What are the alternatives to SSRIs?
Back
Card 5
Front
What are the strengths of biological treatments of OCD?
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