Biological Approach to Treating OCD

What is drug therapy?

Treatment involving drugs. In terms of psychological disorders, the drugs affect neurotransmitter levels

What antidepressant drug is used for treating OCD?

Selective serotonin uptake inhibitor, SSRI

Where are SSRIs located?

In the brain and work on the serotonin system

Serotonin is released by the

presynaptic neuron and travels across the synapse

Where does the neurotransmitter send the signal?

From the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron

What happens after the postsynaptic neuron receives the signal?

The signal is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, it is broken down and reused

Why do SSRIs levels increase in the synapse and stimulate the postsynaptic neuron?

To prevent reabsorption and the breakdown of serotonin

Dosage

Vary depending on the SSRI prescribed. Typical dose of Fluoxetine is 20mg, can be increased if it isn’t benefitting the patient

How long until the dosage has an impact on symptoms?

Three months

What happens when an SSRI isn’t effective after 3-4 months?

The dosage is increased or it is combined with other drugs or an alternative is used

Why isn’t an SSRI effective for everyone?

People respond differently to different drugs

What is the alternative drug of SSRI?

Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, SNRI

SNRI

Used to treat OCD. For people who don’t respond to SSRIs. Increase levels of serotonin and the neurotransmitter noradrenaline