Biological approach to treating OCD

antidepressants

affects levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin

SSRIs

increases level of serotonin at the synapse by preventing reuptake. fluoxetine is an example

combination treatment

SSRIs combined with psychological therapies like CBT and with other drugs

alternative to SSRIs

clomipramine and SNRIs

SNRIs

serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. different class of antidepressants, increases levels of serotonin and noradrenaline

clomipramine - tricylic antidepressant

acts on systems including the serotonin system and works in the same way as SSRIs. however it has more severe side affects

research support for biological treatments for OCD - soomro et al

reviewed 17 studies comparing SSRIs to placebos in treating OCD. all studies showed significantly better outcomes in SSRIs compared to placebos.

research support - nestadt, review of twins

68% of MZ twins share OCD compared to 31% of DZ twins. supports the genetic explanation of OCD

strength of biological treatments for OCD - cost-effective and non-disruptive

drugs are cheap compared to psychological treatments and they're not disruptive to people's lives like therapy sessions are

limitation of biological treatments for OCD - serious side effects

these drugs can cause side effects like indigestion and blurred vision. this is particularly prominent in the tricyclic clomipramine

limitation of biological treatments for OCD - bias in evidence

some psychologists believe there is bias in evidence as researchers are often sponsored by drug companies that may selectively publish positive outcomes.