The biological approach to treating OCD - A-Level Psychology
Drug therapy:
-aims to decrease/increase levels of neurotransmitters in the brain in order to decrease/increase their activity.
SSRIs(selective serotonin reuptake)-tackles the symptoms of OCD and is a particular type of antidepressant drug .SSRIs work on the serotonin system in the brain by preventing the re-absorption and breakdown of serotonin on the presynaptic neuron.It takes 3/4 months of daily use for SSRIs to have much impact on symptoms.
Combining SSRIs with other treatments-drugs are often used alongside CBT to treat OCD.The drugs reduce a patient’s emotional symptoms such as feeling anxious so that they engage effectively with the CBT.
Alternatives to SSRIs-Tricyclics have the same effect as SSRIs but have more severe side effects .SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline.They are used for patients who do not respond to SSRIs.
Evaluation:
Drugs can have side effects-such as indigestion and blurred vision,side effects are usually temporary.Such factors reduce effectiveness because people stop taking the medication.
Drugs are cost effective and non-disruptive-they are cheaper in comparison to psychological treatments so are of good value for public health systems.
Supporting research-Soomro et al-reviewed studies comparing SSRIs to placebos and concluded that 17 studies showed significantly better results for the SSRIs than the placebo.
Unreliable evidence for drug treatments-Some psychologists(Goldacre) believe the evidence favouring drug treatments is biased because the research is sponsored by drug companies who do not report all the evidence.
The biological approach to treating OCD involves using medication and other medical interventions to treat the underlying biological factors that contribute to the disorder.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are commonly used medications to treat OCD.
SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and OCD.
Yes, common side effects of medication used to treat OCD can include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction
Yes, therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used in conjunction with medication to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with OCD.
Research has shown that the biological approach can be effective in reducing symptoms of OCD, although it may not be effective for everyone.
Yes, some alternative treatments for OCD include exercise, relaxation techniques, and dietary changes.
There is evidence to suggest that OCD may have a genetic component, as the disorder tends to run in families.
While there is no cure for OCD, symptoms can be effectively managed with the use of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
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