Disorder Description
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a significant mental illness that can negatively impact patients’ quality of life. According to the research, OCD is the world’s fifth most common mental disorder (World Health Organization and OCD, 2018). This disorder is characterized by an individual’s unhealthy focus on specific aspects of life or activities.
The repetition of specific rituals becomes the basis of the activity of a person with OCD. As a result, their social interactions and professional activities may be disrupted. Therefore, this paper analyzes the impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder on the patient’s quality of life and the optimal diagnostic and treatment options using the example of the main character of the film Eight.
Symptoms and Effects
The symptoms of OCD may vary from person to person. However, the most common one is “having unwanted thoughts, impulses, or images that occur over and over and which cause anxiety or distress” (CDC, 2023, para. 4). All this negatively affects a person’s quality of life, as rituals take longer and longer to complete. Subramaniam et al. (2013) emphasize that OCD has a particular impact on social interactions and relationships. Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder have a unique experience, unlike other mental health conditions, making it challenging to find optimal treatment.
Moreover, OCD can often lead to depression, worsening the patient’s condition (Subramaniam et al., 2013). The main reason for this is that people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, in most cases, realize that their behavior is different from usual and want to get rid of it. At the same time, attempts to stop repeating habitual rituals may lead to hysterical states and an even more significant aggravation of OCD manifestations.
Treatment
The choice of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is determined by the severity of symptoms and the frequency of their manifestations. The most common approaches are medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and their combinations. According to Subramaniam et al. (2013), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as venlafaxine or paroxetine, may improve quality of life. However, pharmacological treatments for OCD can have adverse side effects and are not always practical.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve the quality of life of people with OCD (Subramaniam et al., 2013). The main goal of this type of therapy is to influence the patient’s behavior through changes in his life attitudes, worldview, and analysis of what is happening. However, for the most severe cases of OCD, the optimal solution is to combine these methods. In addition, some approaches involve inpatient treatment, during which the patient gradually stops performing rituals under the supervision of doctors (Subramaniam et al., 2013). The choice of the optimal treatment method depends on the patient and external factors.
Case Study
The main character in Eight is a woman with severe OCD who works with a therapist to overcome the disorder. The patient’s primary concern is her excessive preoccupation with cleanliness, which compels her to frequently wash her hands, shower, disinfect surfaces, and engage in other rituals (Bigtime. Free Movie, 2022). Due to frequent washing, the woman’s skin is red and sore. In addition, the patient demonstrates hyperfixation on the number 8, which manifests itself in repeating rituals eight times (Bigtime. Free Movie, 2022). As a result of the disorder, the patient does not leave the house and has no contact with her husband and daughter. She experiences insomnia and low mood, which may be symptoms of concomitant depression.
To determine the optimal treatment method, it is necessary to assess the severity of symptoms. It will help tailor a woman’s treatment plan to target specific obsessions and compulsions (Subramaniam et al., 2013). Based on an analysis of the symptoms and their severity, the most appropriate treatment for the patient would be cognitive behavioral therapy with concurrent medication. This approach can help eliminate negative thoughts and effectively influence the patient’s behavior in the long term (Subramaniam et al., 2013). Additionally, regular assessment of the woman’s condition is necessary to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
References
Bigtime. Free Movie. (2022). Eight: Drama movie. Award winning. Mental health [Video]. YouTube.
CDC. (2023). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Subramaniam, M., Soh, P., Vaingankar, J. A., Picco, L., & Chong, S. A. (2013). Quality of life in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Impact of the disorder and of treatment. CNS drugs, 27, 367-383.
World Health Organization and OCD. (2018). OCD UK.