Scott's Case Summary

DSM-V is a useful tool that helps to understand and treat Scott’s condition. DSM-5 defines OCD by the presence of both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent, unwanted thoughts and impulses. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals perform in response to obsessions (DSM-5, 2013). Scott has an obsession as he experiences recurrent and unwanted thoughts of being infected with germs that causes him to feel stressed. Likewise, he attempts to suppress these thoughts by performing a compulsion. As it was described in Scott’s case, it is evident that Scott’s compulsions are his repetitive behavior of cleaning and washing his hands, foods and engages in cleaning rituals in relation to his obsession. Scott’s behavior is considered to be extreme because he washes his hands for several hours and due to that his hands are wounded. …show more content…
Scott’s obsession and compulsion cause significant distress as it affects his relationship with family and friends negatively. Another impairment in his condition is his occupational performance, because of his obsession and compulsion he is unable to work as he feels that “his workplace is crawling with germs”. In Scott’s case, the diagnosis of a specific phobia of germs is possible, however his behavior indicates a strong connection to OCD since his obsession (/anxiety of being infected by germs) is released by performing a compulsion, and not through avoidance of obsessive behavior. Hence, the diagnosis of a specific phobia can be excluded, as Scott seems to have comorbidity of both OCD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Recently, Scott has also experienced depressive symptoms. However, Scott does not need a diagnostic of MDD, as four out of nine symptoms are present in his