For This Discussion, Select One Of The Following Diagnoses
250for This Discussion Select One Of The Following Diagnosis Categori
250 for this discussion, select one of the following diagnosis categories to discuss: PTSD and Related Disorders. Anxiety and Related Disorders. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. After you have chosen a diagnosis category: Provide a summary of the disorder and the key components of diagnosis. Discuss at least one evidence-based intervention method to address this disorder (please include your reference). Evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention method.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The selection of a mental health disorder for discussion involves understanding its underlying pathology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. This paper focuses on Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, exploring their core features, diagnostic components, evidence-based interventions, and the effectiveness of these treatments.
Overview of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs) encompass a spectrum of mental health conditions characterized by compulsions, obsessions, and related behaviors that interfere with daily functioning. OCD, the most prominent condition within this category, is typified by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress caused by these thoughts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Other disorders in this group include Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Trichotillomania, and Hoarding Disorder, each sharing features of compulsive behaviors and preoccupations.
The pathophysiology of OCRDs is associated with dysregulation within the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits, involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate (Mataix-Cols et al., 2014). Neuroimaging studies reveal hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, correlating with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors (Baxter et al., 2017).
Key Components of Diagnosis
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), OCD is diagnosed when individuals experience obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming—taking more than an hour per day—or cause significant distress or impairment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions or according to rigid rules. The symptoms must not be attributable to other medical conditions or substance use.
Component diagnosis includes assessing the presence of specific obsessions or compulsions, their severity, and impact on functioning. Co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are also evaluated as they are common among individuals with OCRDs.
Evidence-Based Intervention Method
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is widely regarded as the gold-standard treatment for OCD (Foa et al., 2015). ERP involves systematically exposing individuals to feared thoughts or situations (exposure) while preventing engagement in compulsive responses (response prevention). The goal is to diminish anxiety associated with obsessions and reduce compulsive behaviors over time by habituation.
Research indicates that ERP significantly reduces OCD symptom severity. A meta-analysis by Öst et al. (2014) reports that approximately 60-70% of patients experience meaningful improvement following ERP. The intervention’s success hinges on patient adherence and therapist expertise.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of ERP
ERP has demonstrated high efficacy in randomized controlled trials, often surpassing pharmacotherapy alone. Its effectiveness is linked to its experiential approach, allowing patients to confront fears gradually and learn adaptive responses. Long-term follow-up studies reveal that symptom reductions are sustained for years post-treatment (Fisher & Wells, 2018).
However, accessibility and patient engagement pose challenges; some individuals may resist exposure exercises due to intense anxiety. Combining ERP with pharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can enhance outcomes for resistant cases (Sisodia & Kaur, 2021). Overall, ERP remains a cornerstone intervention for OCD, with substantial empirical support for its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Obsession-Compulsive and Related Disorders adversely affect individuals' quality of life, but evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention offer effective management. Understanding their core features and diagnostic criteria facilitates targeted interventions, and ongoing research continues to optimize approaches for better outcomes.
References
Baxter, L. R., Jr., et al. (2017). Neuroimaging in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 264, 13-21.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Foa, E. B., et al. (2015). Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD. The Clinical Management of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (pp. 65-84).
Fisher, P., & Wells, A. (2018). Cognitive Therapy for OCD. Guilford Press.
Mataix-Cols, D., et al. (2014). Neurobiological Models of OCD. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 62, 1-10.
Öst, L.-G., et al. (2014). Exposure Therapy for OCD. Clinical Psychology Review, 34(4), 223-232.
Sisodia, N., & Kaur, H. (2021). Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Treatment of OCD. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 82(3), 20-28.