Case Study: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Unusual Treatment Strategy

This video answers the question: Can I review a case study involving an unusual treatment strategy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is disorder that features both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts of fear or anxiety that push people to engage in rituals. When somebody does this, they are engaging in a compulsion. Some people with OCD only have obsessions. Sometimes this is called purely obsessional OCD or “pure o.” OCD is often comorbid with Major Depressive Disorder and depression in general.

Even though insight may be compromised with OCD, the majority of people with OCD realize that the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are not logical and are extreme in nature. This awareness and insight can be helpful, but it often doesn’t allow them to control the symptoms.

OCD has real consequences:
- As many as 60% of those with OCD have depressive symptoms.
- 40% or underemployed or unemployed
- 60% don’t achieve what they want academically due to the symptoms of OCD
- 70% have reported difficulties with family relationships

Lowe, W., Jr. (2006). An Uncommon Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 17(2), 1–18. https://doi-org.mylibrary.wilmu.edu/10.1300/J085v17n02_01

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