Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Case Studies

and having carefully analyzed the text, I am leaning towards a diagnosis of, major depressive disorder. The observed symptoms, which the protagonist seems to line up with the following symptoms listed in for Major depressive disorder in the DSM-5 checklist provided in the book (Comer, 2014). In the short story, the protagonist has mentioned and expressed with her actions feeling: in a depressed mood for most of the day, Daily diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activates for most of the day, Decrease in daily appetite, experiencing hypersomnia, daily fatigue or loss of energy (Comer, 2014). These things mentioned are symptoms that are categorized as being

Poor hand hygiene - spread of germs from one patient to another or spread for hands to surfaces.

This behavior is normal if she or he has chronic illnesses such as cancer or AIDS.

It is as if she is hiding a secret that she wants to tell but knows that she should keep to herself.

Her father, John Dunbar preferred to ignore the fact that his girl is sick. He wanted that things will be in the way he wants, and in the way he says. He might have been too strict with her. Also the fact that he moved to

husband. She is still at the time in her life where she fears him. She wants to do everything she

Sonya is likely experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is the disorder that exhibits recurrent obsessions and/or compulsions (Nevid pg. 189). Obsessions are recurrent and intrusive thoughts (189). In this case study,Sonya admitted that she was a lifelong worrier. She also states that she repeatedly in a state of anxiousness or worriness (frets) about her family’s health, her future, and finances ( 189). Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to perform ( 189). Sonya has exhibit some compulsions in her perfectionistic tendencies. In Sonya childhood, she reviewed her homework assignments multiple times for “careless mistakes”. She even stated that she spent three times as long on homework than other children. In high school, she was very preoccupied in her appearance. She would iron her clothes the night before class. The next morning, she would check for wrinkles. If she find a wrinkle, she would iron her clothes again. Perfectionist’s beliefs involves exaggerating the consequences of submitting less than perfect work. They might feel compelled to redo their works until every detail is flawless (190). For example, Sonya states that

Her recent episode of fleetingly thinking of throwing herself in front of a car is also an increase in previously somewhat benign self-harm behavior in the past. She has a history of sexual abuse as a child which may be of significance to her current mood status at this time in her life.

As it appears on Disco Di’s document she’s currently diagnosed with two distinct types of psychological disorder, first being major depressive disorder, and second being borderline personality disorder. However, the term major depression is only one part of the disorder Disco Di is facing. The type of the disorder in which Disco Di is suffering from, is called mood disorder, and to further narrow it down she’s specifically experiencing what is known as “Bipolar I” that according to DSM-5, is defined as a disorder in which individuals experience cycling episodes of mania and major depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Furthermore major depression also in accordance to DSM-5 is marked by chronically low mood which has certain symptoms such as being fatigue, feelings of guilt, and impaired concentration appearing almost every day. In the case of Disco Di, Even though she goes through some of these symptoms, but they are not all the symptoms that she experiences. As it is stated on her document, Disco Di being a cheerful, outgoing 12 year

Looking at the symptoms such as anxiety attacks, overeating, fear of accomplishment, fear of abandonment, and so forth—can be interpreted as outward manifestations of unconscious conflicts that have their origins in childhood experiences and defensive reaction to these experiences that are necessary to her as a child.

She is unable to cope with the reality that was happened in her marriage. Therefore,

signify some repressed anger toward her parents. The lack of love from both parents, has left

In case #2, I believe Karen is suffering from both insomnia and mild depression. I based my decision on the recognition of the following symptoms: lack of sleep, lack of motivation at work, and voilent nightmares.

What I think is the most prominent example of her mental disorder, is when she tries peeling her skin back to make sure she has bones. She doesn’t believe she has bones, and she demands to know if she has them. This could

There is no indication she has had a manic or hypomanic episode. Her depression may be complicated by grief due to her father’s death one year ago. Her symptoms seem to get worse after his passing.