Paper Summary:

This paper briefly explains neurotransmission, further discussing how neurotransmission abnormalities have been linked to psychological disorders, more specifically obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The work reviews literature beginning with a few secondary sources which define terms and provide a basic explanation of neurotransmission and OCD. Then, the paper delves into a deeper analysis of primary research associated with psychotropic treatment of OCD as it applies to the biological processes of neurotransmission abnormalities and corrections via pharmacological means. The paper concludes by noting that clinicians and parents must carefully weigh concerns of symptoms versus potential alternative psychotic outcomes when treating OCD with psychotropic medications.

Outline:

Abstract
Literature Review
Discussion

From the Paper:

"Unlike many other psychological disorders pharmacological means are a first line treatment and no alternative treatments, i.e. nonbiological treatments are recommended until after pharmacological drug treatment has helped develop a baseline of effectiveness. At this point effectiveness of symptom reduction is evaluated and drug treatment can be altered or alternatives added to treatment. This as well as the understandings of the disorder lend credence to the idea that OCD is very much considered a biological disorder, having a great deal to do with neurotransmission abnormalities and dysfunctions. The accepted efficacy for treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders in general is a combined pharmacotherapy with other non-biological alternatives. (Otto, Smits & Reese, Spring 2006) Challenges to this protocol, by the removal or reduction of pharmacological interventions (SSRI) being replaced with behavioral therapy alone have proved ineffective."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Goodman, W. K., Rudorfer, M. V., & Maser, J. D. (Eds.). (2000). Obsessive-compulsive disorder contemporary issues in treatment. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Hollander, E. Allen, A. Steiner, M. Wheadon, D.E. Oakes, R. Burnham, D.B. (September 2003) Acute and long-term treatment and prevention of relapse of obsessive-compulsive disorder with paroxetine. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 64(9) 1113-1121.
• Howland, R. H. (2005). Chapter 6 Biological bases of psychopathology. In Psychopathology: Foundations for a Contemporary Understanding, Maddux, J. E. & Winstead, B. A. (Eds.) (pp. 109-119). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Liebowitz, M.R. Turner, S. M. Piacentini, J. Beidel, D. C. Clarvit, S.R. Davies, S. O. Graae, F. Jaffer, M. Lin, S. Sallee, F.R. Schmidt, A. B. Simpson, H. B. (December 2002) Fluoxetine in Children and Adolescents With OCD: A Placebo-Controlled Trial Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 41(12) 1431-1438.
• McDougle, C.J. Goodman, W.K. & Price, L.H. (March 1995) Dopamine antagonists in tic-related and psychotic spectrum obsessive compulsive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 55 Supplement 24-31.

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