the biological approach to treating OCD

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  • Created by: IvyVega
  • Created on: 31-05-18 14:30
changing levels of neurotransmitters
drug therapy for mental disorders aims to increase or decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the brain or to increase/decrease their activity. low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD.
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selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSRIs prevent the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin in the brain. this increases its levels in the synapse and thus serotonin continues to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron. this compensates for whatever is wrong with the serotonin system
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typical dosage
a typical daily dosage of Fluoxetine is 20MG although this may be increased if it is not benefitting the patient. it takes 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to impact upon symptoms. this can be increased.
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combining SSRIs with CBT
Drugs are often used alongside cognitive behaviour therapy to treat OCD. the drugs reduce a patients emotional symptoms. this means that patients can engage more effectively with CBT.
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Alternatives to SSRIs: tricyclics
tricyclics are sometimes used. these have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs but the side-effects can be more severe.
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Alternativesto SSRIs: SNRIs
in the last five years a different class of antidepressant drugs called serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor has also been used to treat OCD. SNRIs increase levels of serotonin as well as noradrenaline
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strength 1: cost-effective and non-disruptive
they are cheap compared to treatment. non-disruptive to patients lives. doent have to engage in the hard work of therapy.
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limitation 1: unreliable
although SSRIs are fairly effective and any side-effects will probably be short term, SSRIs have some controversy attached.
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Card 2

Front

SSRIs prevent the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin in the brain. this increases its levels in the synapse and thus serotonin continues to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron. this compensates for whatever is wrong with the serotonin system

Back

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Card 3

Front

a typical daily dosage of Fluoxetine is 20MG although this may be increased if it is not benefitting the patient. it takes 3-4 months of daily use for SSRIs to impact upon symptoms. this can be increased.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Drugs are often used alongside cognitive behaviour therapy to treat OCD. the drugs reduce a patients emotional symptoms. this means that patients can engage more effectively with CBT.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

tricyclics are sometimes used. these have the same effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs but the side-effects can be more severe.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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