SSRIs for Anxiety

AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
AO1
- SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin at the synapse, so
increase serotonin levels in the brain.
- SSRIs are prescribed at the lowest possible dose thought necessary to
improve anxiety symptoms.
- SSRIs affect neurochemistry immediately but usually need to be taken for
two to four weeks by a patient with an anxiety disorder before the
benefit is experienced.
- SSRIs, such as Prozac or paroxetine, can be used in isolation or as part of
a combined treatment programme with psychosocial treatments such as
CBT.
AO3
- Kapczinski et al. (2003) conducted a review and found antidepressants,
including the SSRI paroxetine, to be superior to placebo in treating
Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
- Whilst they are prescribed at the lowest possible dose to reduce the risk
of side effects, side effects can still occur such as feeling dizzy, nausea,
and blurred vision.
- SSRIs have to be used with caution when the patient has underlying
health problems such as diabetes, and can react unpredictably with
other medicines so may not be suitable for all patients.
- Walkup et al. (2008) used a RCT of 488 children aged 7-17 and found
SSRIs to be superior to placebo (55\% to 24\%) for anxiety disorders,
although combined therapy with CBT was the most effective (80.7\%).
Look for other reasonable marking points.

(8)

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\hline Level

Mark

Descriptor

AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
Candidates must demonstrate an equal emphasis between knowledge and understanding vs
evaluation/conclusion in their answer.

0

No rewardable material.

Level 1

1-2
Marks

Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
A conclusion may be presented, but will be generic and the supporting
evidence will be limited. Limited attempt to address the question. (AO3)

Level 2

3-4
Marks

Demonstrates mostly accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Candidates will produce statements with some development in the form of
mostly accurate and relevant factual material, leading to a superficial
conclusion being made. (AO3)

Level 3

5-6
Marks

Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Arguments developed using mostly coherent chains of reasoning leading to a
conclusion being presented. Candidates will demonstrate a grasp of competing
arguments but evaluation may be imbalanced. (AO3)

Level 4

7-8
Marks

Demonstrates accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation, containing logical chains of
reasoning throughout. Demonstrates an awareness of competing arguments,
presenting a balanced conclusion. (AO3)

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