Case Study: Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

David is a nine-year-old boy who has been recently diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by his school's psychologist. OCD occurs in approximately 2 to 3 percent of all children and is considered to be one of the most debilitating of the anxiety disorders (Barrett et. al., 2003, p. 80). Essentially, OCD sufferers are hindered in their everyday activities by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Beyond the sufferers' anxiety caused by what they can often self-identify as unusual behavior, sufferers' anxiety is also increased by the reactions of others to their behaviors. The anxiety caused by these reactions occurs regardless of whether the reaction is meant to be helpful (such as the reactions of parents, friends or other family members) or hurtful (such as the taunting of their peers or the anger of authority figures such as teachers). David's case presents all the classic and confusing symptoms of OCD.

Most researchers agree that OCD is related to the malfunction of biochemical substances in the brain (Valente, 2002, p. 125). These substances or "neurotransmitters" are intended to prepare an individual to react to danger. For example, one particular such substance, norepinephrine, triggers anxiety, nervousness and increased vital signs (Valente, 2002, p. 125). The malfunction of these substances in OCD sufferers means that the OCD child experience sustained, often endless, feelings of anxiety and danger

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. David may well be associating filth and dirt with his parents' separation and the idea of himself being filthy and dirty will likely trigger neurochemicals that themselves trigger his OCD. David's obsessive-compulsive behavior is manifested in some of the most classic and common OCD behaviors. Obsessions are excessive and irrational recurring and persistent thoughts, impulses or images (Mash & Wolfe, 2002, p. 117). In an attempt to relieve these obsessions, OCD sufferers engage in compulsions, which are repetitive, purposeful and intentional behaviors or mental acts (Mash & Wolfe, 2002, p. 117). The most common compulsions are excessive washing and bathing and re-checking activities that have already been completed (Mash & Wolfe, 2001, p. 117). David takes a bath every morning and every evening. He washes his hands after bathing, before and after eating, and after cleaning anything. He cleans his room after bathing. He also cleans his younger sister and tries to prevent her from touching his things. If she does touch them, he cleans them afterward. David cleans his room again before going to sleep and often wakes up at night to fix his room "just right." David's observable behaviors, therefore, are classic OCD behavi
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Approximate Word count = 1597
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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