ASD, OCD and violence – a forensic case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Holly Edwards ◽  
Lorraine Higham
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Aggressive Behaviour ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Complex Case ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Offending Behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the formulation and psychological treatment of a complex case whereby a combination of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has resulted in violent and aggressive behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a brief summary of literature in relation to ASD, OCD and risk-offending behaviour followed by a case study of a man (referred to as “John”) with a diagnosis of ASD and OCD who has an extensive history of institutional violence and aggressive behaviour. Findings This paper highlights the complexity of a case that may support research suggesting that impaired theory of mind, poor emotional regulation and problems with moral reasoning increase the risk of an individual with ASD engaging in violence, in addition to a comorbidity of ASD and OCD resulting in a more severe and treatment-resistant form of OCD. Originality/value This paper highlights the challenges faced when working with a patient with Asperger’s syndrome and OCD with entrenched beliefs that lead to the use of violence as a compulsion to temporarily overcome unpleasant thoughts related to low self-esteem.

Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Distressing and Repugnant Thoughts and Images

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara S. Ferris ◽  
Janette P. Mills ◽  
Tanya L. Hanstock
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Response Prevention ◽  
Exposure And Response Prevention ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
General Decline ◽  
Prevention Methods ◽  
Do So

Repugnant thoughts are often described as intrusive and distressing thoughts that are not acceptable to one’s own, and society’s, morals and values. They can occur in a small number of sufferers with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The following case study describes a young woman who experienced a number of distressing and repugnant thoughts and images. Her presenting most distressing obsessive thought was about committing suicide when she had no desire or intent to do so; however, her most repugnant thoughts centered around thoughts of harming her children. Psychological treatment sessions initially focused on psychoeducation and relaxation to prepare the client for more intense therapy. Exposure and response prevention methods were then used in a graded exposure method to help the client confront her feared obsessions and to help the client to overcome her subsequent strong emotional responses. Following 11 psychological treatment sessions, the client demonstrated significant improvements, including decreased distress from her obsessions, as well as a general decline in stress and anxiety.

Metacognitive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A case report

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-389
Author(s):  
Kim Melchior ◽  
Ingmar H. A. Franken ◽  
Colin van der Heiden
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Metacognitive Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Metacognitive Beliefs ◽  
Actual Content

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and disabling disorder. The most effective psychological treatment for OCD is currently exposure with response prevention (ERP). Although ERP is an effective therapy, recovery rates are relatively modest, so there is room for improvement. Metacognitive therapy (MCT) for OCD focuses primarily on modifying metacognitive beliefs about obsessions and compulsions, instead of their actual content. Based on a few small preliminary studies, there are some indications for the effectiveness of MCT for OCD. In the present article, the metacognitive model and treatment are discussed, as well as empirical support for its efficacy. Because detailed descriptions of the application of this treatment modality for patients with OCD are scarce, the authors report a case study to illustrate the content of this form of therapy.

scholarly journals Autism spectrum disorders and stalking

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-218
Author(s):  
Johanna E. Mercer ◽  
Clare Sarah Allely
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Offending Behaviour ◽  
Social Interaction Skills

Purpose Despite an increasing number of studies that examine sexual offending behaviour in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individuals, there has been a lack of research investigating stalking and ASD. This study aims to carry out a scoping review following PRISMA guidelines to identify studies which have been carried out exploring stalking behaviour in individuals with threshold or subthreshold ASD. Design/methodology/approach A total of five bibliographic databases were searched to identify studies which explored ASD in relation to stalking and harassment (including case studies as well as empirical studies). Findings A total of five relevant articles were identified in the present review. One article contained a case study. In a short report, the authors discussed stalking and ASD. One paper explored ASD and stalking behaviour in employment settings and specific interventions that could be used in such environments. Another paper focused on stalking behaviour in those with ASD in school settings. The final paper examined stalking and social and romantic functioning in individuals with ASD. This final paper contained only the empirical study identified in this search. Practical implications The studies identified in this review clearly highlight the need for intensive socio-sexual interventions to improve social interaction skills and romantic functioning in individuals with ASD. There is also a need for schools to provide sex education programs for individuals with ASD. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review looking at ASD and stalking.

Modified Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Severe, Treatment Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in an Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Importance of Parental Involvement

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-335
Author(s):  
Gazal Jones ◽  
Amita Jassi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Family Accommodation ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is higher among young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Case studies and randomized controlled trials show that modified cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for young people with OCD and co-morbid ASD. This case study describes modified CBT for an adolescent with severe, treatment-resistant OCD and co-morbid ASD, and highlights the importance of family accommodation and parental mental health in pediatric OCD. Modifications to the standard evidence-based CBT for OCD protocol included extended psychoeducation, visual session material, mini exposure and response prevention hierarchies and parallel parent sessions to address familial accommodation and parental mental health. Progress was measured at seven times points throughout treatment using clinician administered, youth and parent self-report measures. Outcome data indicated significant improvements in OCD symptoms, general functioning, and maternal mental health as well as significant reductions in family accommodation. Gains were maintained over a 12-month follow-up period. This case study illustrates that modified CBT can be effective in youth with OCD and ASD and discusses the importance of familial accommodation and parental mental health.

scholarly journals Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 025371762199673
Author(s):  
Joel Philip ◽  
Vinu Cherian
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Change Acceptance ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the use of “third-wave” psychotherapies in treating psychiatric disorders. These newer therapies are fundamentally different from the existing techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy in terms of their guiding principles and processes of change. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is the most prominent among these “third wave” psychotherapies. However, there have not been any reports from India, thus far, that have studied the use of ACT in treating obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). We describe a case of OCD that was successfully treated with eight sessions of ACT, with the results being maintained over a one-month follow-up period. Postintervention tests revealed a significant decrease in obsessive–compulsive symptoms and an associated increase in psychological flexibility. This case study highlights the possible utility of ACT as a therapeutic intervention in OCD, especially when combined with pharmacotherapy.

scholarly journals The patterns of family genetic risk scores for eleven major psychiatric and substance use disorders in a Swedish national sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth S. Kendler ◽  
Henrik Ohlsson ◽  
Jan Sundquist ◽  
Kristina Sundquist
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Genetic Risk Scores

AbstractTo clarify the structure of genetic risks for 11 major psychiatric disorders, we calculated, from morbidity risks for disorders in 1st–5th degree relatives controlling for cohabitation effects, in the Swedish population born between 1932 and 1995 (n = 5,830,014), the family genetic risk scores (FGRS) for major depression (MD), anxiety disorders (AD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia (SZ), bulimia (BUL), anorexia nervosa (AN), alcohol use disorder (AUD), drug use disorder (DUD), ADHD, and autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). For all affected individuals, we calculated their mean standardized FGRS for each disorder. The patterns of FGRS were quite similar for MD and AD, and for AUD and DUD, but substantially less similar for BUL and AN, BD and SZ, and ADHD and ASD. While OCD had high levels of FGRS for MD and AD, the overall FGRS profile differed considerably from MD and AD. ADHD FGRS scores were substantially elevated in AUD and DUD. FGRS scores for BD, OCD, AN, ASD, ADHD, and especially SZ were relatively disorder-specific while genetic risk for MD and AD had more generalized effects. The levels of FGRS for BMI, coronary artery disease, and educational attainment across our disorders replicated prior associations found using molecular genetic methods. All diagnostic categories examined had elevated FGRS for many disorders producing, for each condition, an informative FGRS profile. Using a novel method which approximates, from pedigree data, aggregate genetic risk, we have replicated and extended prior insights into the structure of genetic risk factors for key psychiatric illnesses.

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