Treatment of OCD

What is the main type of antidepressant drug used to treat OCD, and what is its abbreviation?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

How do SSRIs work at the synapse to increase serotonin levels?

They prevent the reuptake of serotonin by the presynaptic neuron, leaving more serotonin in the synapse to stimulate the postsynaptic neuron.

What is a typical daily dose of the SSRI fluoxetine (Prozac), and how long does it usually take to have an impact?

A typical dose is 20mg, and it takes 3-4 months of daily use to have a significant impact.

Why are drugs like SSRIs sometimes used alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

The drugs reduce emotional symptoms like anxiety, allowing the person to engage more effectively with the CBT.

What are two types of alternative drugs used if SSRIs are not effective?

Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., clomipramine) and Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

Which researchers provided evidence for the effectiveness of SSRIs by reviewing 17 studies that compared them to a placebo?

Soomro et al. (2008).

Which researchers presented a counterpoint by concluding that psychological therapies were more effective than SSRIs?

Skapinakis et al. (2016).

What are two key strengths of using drug therapy for OCD?

They are cost-effective (cheap to produce) and non-disruptive (easy to use compared to attending therapy sessions).

What is a major limitation of drug therapies for OCD?

They can have serious side-effects. For example, SSRIs can cause indigestion and loss of sex drive, and tricyclics like clomipramine can cause more severe issues like heart problems.

What ethical concern is raised about the evidence supporting the effectiveness of drug therapies?

The evidence may be biased because research is often sponsored by drug companies, who may selectively publish positive outcomes (Goldacre, 2013).