As Good as It Gets Abnormal Psychology Essay Example

is the etiology of his disorder? Neurobiologically, OCD would be explained by the hyperactivity of 3 key regions of the brain- the orbitofrontal cortex, the caudate nucleus, and the anterior congulate. Behaviourally, operant conditioning of compulsions are reinforced to reduce anxiety. In terms of cognitive factors, people with the disorder have a Yedasentience deficit, which means that they suffer from the anxiety that they have not cleaned enough or that things are not completely done. In the case of Melvin, the latter two factors may explain his daily repetitive rituals and behaviors.

4. What is the treatment course? The treatment for OCD includes medications, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Cognitive Therapy. Medications include Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs) such as Clomipramine, and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which are effective in the reduction of OCD symptoms. In ERP, people asked to refrain from performing the compulsive act when they are exposed to the situations where their compulsive acts are elicited. The Cognitive approach therapy challenges people’s beliefs of what will happen if they do not engage in their compulsions. Usually, this includes confronting their fears by exposure.

5. If you were his therapist, what would be your approach? For Melvin, ERP and Cognitive therapy will most likely be the best approach for treating his OCD. The ERP is for him to refrain from performing his rituals for the eventual extinction of his compulsive acts due to his anxiety. The Cognitive approach will be for him to be exposed to his fear of contamination, germs and dirty objects to challenge his fears and beliefs regarding this concern.