Psychopathology 16 Mark Essay Plans
Biological Treatments for OCD
AO1 Drug therapies are used to treat OCD by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain and
therefore reducing symptoms.
SSRI’s
- A type of anti-depressant which prevent the re-absorption and breakdown of
serotonin the synapses so there are more of them in the synapse to bind to the
receptors and stimulate the post-synaptic neurone. This combats the low serotonin
levels in the brain associated with OCD.
Tricyclics
- The original antidepressant used which work by blocking the receptors which allow
the reuptake of serotonin but cause more side effects so are only used with those
who are unresponsive to SSRI’s.
SNRI’s
- These work on preventing the re-uptake of both serotonin and noradrenalin, these
are again used with those unresponsive to SSRI’s.
AO3 1. Evidence for effectiveness, Soomro et al found that drug therapies were more
effective at reducing symptoms of OCD over 3 months than the placebo, showing
evidence for its effectiveness. However, this study only shows short-term effects and
not long term. This could be done on purpose and influenced by the drug companies
so that less negative research comes out about the drug and so more is sold.
2. However, these drugs only mask the symptoms of OCD, they do not cure them so as
soon as the patient stops taking the drug, symptoms will return meaning this is not a
long- term treatment option. However, when used in combination with CBT, the
effects are likely to last longer.
3. Cost effective and non-disruptive- drug treatments, unlike other treatments such as
CBT so drugs can be a more appealing treatment.
4. Side- effects, unfortunately these drugs, especially tricyclics do have side effects such
as hallucinations which can cause patients to stop taking the drugs, reducing the
effectiveness. Conversely, SSRI’s run a lesser risk of these side effects, so patients are
more likely to complete the treatment.
5. Most effective in combination with CBT, this is because OCD is caused by both
psychological and biological factors so by using treatments for both factors, the
condition is cured more effectively and quickly.
6. Doesn’t deal with the psychological elements such as trauma, drug treatments only
deal with the biological/ neurochemical causes of OCD, however, we know through
research that many people with OCD have also experienced a traumatic event in their
lives which influence the development of OCD, and these drugs cannot help with this.
Hence why OCD is often most effective in combination with CBT.
Biological Treatments for OCD
AO1 Drug therapies are used to treat OCD by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain and
therefore reducing symptoms.
SSRI’s
- A type of anti-depressant which prevent the re-absorption and breakdown of
serotonin the synapses so there are more of them in the synapse to bind to the
receptors and stimulate the post-synaptic neurone. This combats the low serotonin
levels in the brain associated with OCD.
Tricyclics
- The original antidepressant used which work by blocking the receptors which allow
the reuptake of serotonin but cause more side effects so are only used with those
who are unresponsive to SSRI’s.
SNRI’s
- These work on preventing the re-uptake of both serotonin and noradrenalin, these
are again used with those unresponsive to SSRI’s.
AO3 1. Evidence for effectiveness, Soomro et al found that drug therapies were more
effective at reducing symptoms of OCD over 3 months than the placebo, showing
evidence for its effectiveness. However, this study only shows short-term effects and
not long term. This could be done on purpose and influenced by the drug companies
so that less negative research comes out about the drug and so more is sold.
2. However, these drugs only mask the symptoms of OCD, they do not cure them so as
soon as the patient stops taking the drug, symptoms will return meaning this is not a
long- term treatment option. However, when used in combination with CBT, the
effects are likely to last longer.
3. Cost effective and non-disruptive- drug treatments, unlike other treatments such as
CBT so drugs can be a more appealing treatment.
4. Side- effects, unfortunately these drugs, especially tricyclics do have side effects such
as hallucinations which can cause patients to stop taking the drugs, reducing the
effectiveness. Conversely, SSRI’s run a lesser risk of these side effects, so patients are
more likely to complete the treatment.
5. Most effective in combination with CBT, this is because OCD is caused by both
psychological and biological factors so by using treatments for both factors, the
condition is cured more effectively and quickly.
6. Doesn’t deal with the psychological elements such as trauma, drug treatments only
deal with the biological/ neurochemical causes of OCD, however, we know through
research that many people with OCD have also experienced a traumatic event in their
lives which influence the development of OCD, and these drugs cannot help with this.
Hence why OCD is often most effective in combination with CBT.
