the biological approach to treating OCD - drugs

what is the most commonly used drug to treat OCD?

SSRIs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

how do SSRIs work?

• prevent re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin

• by blocking reuptake receptors on the presynaptic cell

• this increases levels of serotonin in the synapse

what is an example of an SSRI?

fluoxetine

what is the usual dose of fluoxetine and how long does it take for impact to be seen?

• 20mg

• 3-4 months

what are drugs often used alongside and why?

• CBT

• drugs only patient’s emotional symptoms, e.g. feeling anxious or depressed, which can help them engage with therapy more

what are the two alternatives to SSRIs?

• clomipramine - antidepressant that has same effect as SSRIs

• SNRIs (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) - increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline

what are the strengths and weakness of drug therapy?

strengths

• supporting evidence

• drugs are cost-effective and non disruptive

weakness:

• drugs can have side effects

supporting evidence

• researchers reviewed 17 studies comparing SSRIs to placebos in treatment of OCD

• there were significantly better results for SSRIs than placebo conditions - symptoms decline significantly for around 70% of patients

• most effective when SSRIs are combined with a psychological therapy treatment

  • increases credibility of drug therapy

drugs are cost-effective and non disruptive 

• cheaper compared to psychological treatments 

• also non-disruptive to patients lives

• if someone wishes they can just take drugs and not engage with therapy as may be hard for some or some may not have time

• simple to just quickly take a pill, so doesn’t disrupt social or work life

• has good value for NHS and preferred by patients

drugs have side effects

• some patients experience indigestion, blurred vision, and loss of sex drive

• although temporary, can have a large impact on someone’s life and may have a negative effect on their wellbeing

• side effects are more common when taking clomipramine and can be serious

• more than 1/10 become aggressive and suffer disruption to blood pressure and heart rhythm

• may lead to more serious health conditions and negative consequences