4.4.3 Biological Treatments of OCD

OCD can be treated using SSRIs…

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

These block serotonin reuptake, increasing the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft (visit biopsychology). This means that the patient's serotonin levels don't drop, helping to reduce the hyperactivity of neurons in the OBF in people with OCD.

This helps the patients' mood remain constant, meaning they are less likely to suffer from obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

Evaluation of SSRI's as a treatment for OCD:

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P: They are cost-effective

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E: Tablets can be mass-produced and don't need to be tailored to each patient's specific needs (like therapy for example)

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E: This makes them more accessible for patients and can also help organisations such as the NHS save money, making it a practical form of treatment

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P: There can be side effects

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E: SSRIs don't just affect the targeted brain area, using SSRIs blocks serotonin re-uptake in the whole of the brain, which can cause nausea and headaches

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E: This is a weakness of drug therapies, such as SSRIs as they can cause unwanted side effects which may be distressing for patients. Therefore, they may do more harm than good by replacing an illness such as OCD, with other issues to cope with.

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