12 mark essay

1. Describe and evaluate the biological approach to treating OCD (12 marks)
The most common biological treatment method is drug therapy. Antidepressants in the form
of SSRIs are the most commonly used drug for OCD and are used to reduce the anxiety
associated with the mental disorder. SSRIs increase levels of serotonin which helps to
regulate mood and anxiety, and also helps the OFC to function at more normal levels. SSRIs
work by inhibiting the re-absorption of serotonin at the receptor cells on the receiving neuron,
increasing stimulation to the receiving neuron.
Another form of antidepressant are tricyclics. These block the transporter mechanism that
reabsorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre-synaptic cell after it was fired. As a
result, more of these neurotransmitters are left in the synapse prolonging their activity, and
easing transmission of the next impulse. Alternatively, anti-anxiety drugs such as
benzodiazepines (BZs) can also be used to recuse anxiety. BZs slow down the activity of the
CNS by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA works by travelling
across the synaptic gap where it locks onto a GABA receptor opening a channel to increasing
the flow of the chloride ions into the neuron. It is chloride ions that make it harder for the
neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitters and so slow down its activity making the
person feel more relaxed.
There is considerable evidence to support the effectiveness of drug therapy. For example,
Soomro et al. (2008) reviewed 17 studies into the use of SSRIs with OCD patients and found
the use of SSRIs to be more effective than placebos at reducing the symptoms of OCD.
However, many of the studies used were only short-term and little long-term data exists. It is
therefore difficult to ascertain whether the effects of SSRIs are long lasting. This idea is
supported by Maina et al. (2001) who found that patients relapse within a few weeks if
medication is stopped.
One of the benefits of drug therapy is its ease of use. Little effort is required in taking the
pills, and not much time is needed to carry out this treatment method – especially when
compared to other therapies such as CBT. It is also cheaper for the health service as it
requires little monitoring.
However, all drugs have side effects, and some more severe than others. Common side
effects of SSRIs are headaches, nausea and insomnia; and although these do not seem terrible
they are often enough to make a patient stop taking the drug. Tricyclics tend to have more
side effects than SSRIs and so are often used once SSRIs have been tried. Side effects of BZs
include increased aggressiveness, long-term impairment of memory and addiction; and so are
therefore only recommended for use for a maximum of 4 weeks.