Abstract

JUSTO, Ana Paula; MATOS, Evandro Gomes de  and  LIPP, Marilda E. N.. Cognitive-behavioral therapy of a case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2015, vol.11, n.1, pp. 10-24. ISSN 1808-5687.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1808-5687.20150003.

Maria, aged 35, began psychological treatment after referral by her psychiatrist, presenting severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms [OCs] which had a significantly adverse impact on her social and occupational function and on her health. Her obsessions were associated with the idea of infection and illness and her compulsions were cleanliness and hygiene. She also presented avoidance behaviors associated with these obsessions and deficit in social skills. Maria's life history and her psychological assessment enabled us to understand the development of her symptoms and to identify the predisposing, precipitating and maintaining aspects of the obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD]. Based on the records kept during the cognitive-behavioral treatment, a reduction in the frequency of her compulsive behavior was observed. The client's self-assessment and the clinical observations also pointed towards improvement in social function and physical condition. Future efforts should include a follow-up to check for the maintenance of these gains.

Keywords : Obsessive; Behavior; Therapy.

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