Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Assignment 3: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Student Name
Course:
Instructor:
Liberty University
May 5, 2019
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Assignment 3: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Due Week 3 and worth 250 points
Write about a case involving Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Provide a detailed patient
history, emphasizing the presence of obsessions and compulsions, their content, severity, and
impact on daily functioning. Discuss your diagnostic considerations, treatment decisions, and the
therapeutic interventions employed, integrating references to relevant course content or research.
Patient History: Describe a scenario featuring a 35-year-old man with a history of Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder. Explore the nature of his obsessions, such as intrusive thoughts about
contamination, harm, or symmetry, as well as his compulsions, including rituals of cleaning,
checking, or arranging objects. Investigate the triggers or stressors that may exacerbate the
patient's symptoms, as well as any comorbid conditions such as anxiety disorders or depression.
Diagnostic Considerations and Treatment Decisions: Discuss the specific criteria from the DSM-5
used in diagnosing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for this patient. Elaborate on the challenges in
distinguishing OCD from other anxiety disorders and medical conditions. Formulate a treatment
plan that may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication (such as selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and support groups, justifying your
decisions based on current research and guidelines.
1. What specific criteria from the DSM-5 were considered in diagnosing Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder for this patient? How did the patient's reported obsessions and
compulsions align with these criteria, particularly focusing on their severity and impact on
daily functioning?
2. In distinguishing OCD from other anxiety disorders and medical conditions, what
challenges arose during the diagnostic process, and how were they addressed?
3. Can you provide details on the cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques employed in the
treatment plan? How were cognitive restructuring, exposure and response prevention
(ERP), and habit reversal training used to address the patient's specific obsessions and
compulsions?
4. Discuss the role of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or
tricyclic antidepressants, in the management of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for this
patient. What considerations influenced the decision to prescribe medication, and how was
the dosage determined?
5. Explore the potential impact of triggers or stressors on the onset or exacerbation of OCD
symptoms. How did these factors inform your treatment decisions and goals?
6. Reflect on the challenges associated with addressing comorbid conditions, such as anxiety
disorders or depression, in individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. How were
treatment strategies tailored to address these complex presentations?
7. Discuss the importance of involving the patient's family members or support system in the
treatment process. How did you educate and engage them in supporting the patient's
recovery?
8. Reflect on the potential for relapse and the importance of long-term management in
