scholarly journals Diogenes Syndrome and Pathological Hoarding Behaviour: A Case Report

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.C. Castro ◽  
O. Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Somatic Disorders ◽  
Diogenes Syndrome ◽  
End Stage ◽  
The Impact

Background:Diogenes syndrome is the combination of severe self-neglect, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, a tendency to hoard excessively, and refusal of help, in elderly patients.Aim:To report a case of Diogenes’ syndrome underlying the impact of pathological hoarding behaviour in the quality of life of the patient. to discuss the pathological hoarding behaviour (syllogomania) in the context of this specific behavioural disorder.Methods:Case study and review of the literature.Results:The subject of this case study is a 78-year-old man with Diogenes syndrome. Hoarding behaviour is the major presentation symptom in this case, along with domestic squalor and social withdrawal. He has marked obsessive personality traits, no insight for his morbid condition and an attitude of refusal of treatment.Discussion:The literature reveals high comorbidity of Diogenes syndrome with psychiatric and somatic disorders. Some authors raise the possibility that obsessive-compulsive disorder may be the cause of hoarding rubbish in those cases of Diogenes syndrome in which hoarding exists and cannot be better explained by other psychopathology. other authors hypothesise Diogenes syndrome as a reaction to stress in elderly people with certain personality characteristics or as the end stage of a personality disorder. the ethiopathogeny of Diogenes syndrome remains unclear and there is no consensus about diagnostic criteria. It is a relevant area for future research, contributing for a better comprehension of the differential diagnosis of pathological hoarding behaviour and late life psychopathology.

scholarly journals Diogenes Syndrome: Identification and Distinction from Hoarding Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Carmel Proctor ◽  
Sakib Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Psychiatric Ward ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Related Condition ◽  
Hoarding Disorder ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Somatic Disorders ◽  
Diogenes Syndrome

“Severe domestic squalor” or Diogenes syndrome is characterised by extreme self-neglect of environment, health, and hygiene, excessive hoarding, squalor, social withdrawal, and a distinct lack of concern or shame regarding one’s living condition. This report presents a case of a 51-year-old male admitted to the hospital psychiatric ward following the police removing him from his home. Police officers attended the man’s home following the alarm being raised by his stepfather that he had not been seen or heard from in 3 weeks. His home was covered in several feet of rubbish, rotting food, and debris and smelled intensely of rotting mould, urine, and faeces. He was found lying nude on top of garbage with a rug over him. Diogenes syndrome is highly comorbid with psychiatric and somatic disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorder, and stress. This case report provides a rare opportunity to better understand the distinction of Diogenes syndrome from the closely related condition hoarding disorder. Furthermore, creating an agreed-upon constellation of symptoms representative of Diogenes is essential to creating a formal Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) entry, which would facilitate the much-needed development of assessment measures to enable accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Quality of life in obsessive compulsive disorder

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra S. Macy ◽  
Jonathan N. Theo ◽  
Sonia C. V. Kaufmann ◽  
Rassil B. Ghazzaoui ◽  
Paul A. Pawlowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Medical Disorders ◽  
The Impact

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a profound impact with a high disease burden. In order to truly understand the scope of the effect OCD has on the patient population, one must take into account not only the relentless symptoms beleaguering the patients but also examine their overall ability to enjoy their life. Quality of life (QOL) assessments/improvements are becoming an increasingly important component of healthcare, especially in the mental health field. This review examines QOL in OCD, as well as the influence of comorbidities, and the impact that OCD treatment has on QOL. We searched MEDLINE/PUBMED and PsycINFO databases from 1980–2011 using keywords “obsessive compulsive disorder” OR “OCD” AND “quality of life” OR “QOL.” Fifty-eight studies meeting specific selection criteria were ultimately included in this review. The results show that QOL in OCD is significantly impaired when compared to QOL in the general population and in patients with other psychiatric and medical disorders. Likewise, QOL in OCD also appears to be largely affected by comorbid conditions, which should be taken into account when developing a treatment plan. Furthermore, QOL in OCD has been shown to improve with medications and with both individual and group psychotherapy, albeit not to the levels enjoyed by community norms. QOL assessment in both clinical and research settings is important to examine the disease burden, to monitor treatment effectiveness, and to determine full recovery from OCD. Treatment providers should strive to not only reach symptom abatement, but also to assure that patients have regained satisfaction and functioning in their daily lives.

Epidemiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Cross Culture and Economy

CNS Spectrums ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (S3) ◽  
pp. 6-12
Author(s):  
Donald W. Black
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The United States ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis manuscript summarizes the presentations of an international panel of experts, representing France, Hungary, India, South Africa, and the United States, on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is culturally universal but probably heterogeneous. New data presented concern a follow-up study from a joint Yale-Brown clinical project; a prevalence study in Hungary; a molecular genetics study from South Africa; a comorbidity study from India; a clinical study from Paris comparing OCD with subclinical OCD; a discussion of compulsive buying as a cross-cultural phenomenon; and survey results showing the impact of OCD on quality of life and economic variables. A roundtable discussion led to a consensus that researchers must continue to: (1) investigate the prevalence of OCD in non Western samples and in less developed countries; (2) collect clinical data on OCD in child and adolescent samples, as well as in off-spring of adults with OCD; (3) refine the concept of age of onset; (4) study the impact of OCD on quality of life and the economy; (5) investigate the validity of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum in epidemiologic and clinical samples and develop appropriate instruments for its assessment; (6) study personality disorder and how it affects treatment response, and examine its prevalence in epidemiologic samples; (7) explore the concept of OCD heterogeneity, which may reflect differing etiologies but may also suggest differential treatment strategies; (8) conduct follow-up studies, particularly now that effective treatments may alter course of illness; and, finally, (9) investigate treatment response and whether certain subtypes demand unique approaches.

The impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder in pregnancy on quality of life

2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazim Gezginç ◽  
Faruk Uguz ◽  
Savaş Karatayli ◽  
Esra Zeytinci ◽  
Rüstem Aşkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Personality Pathology in OCD

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Wheaton ◽  
Anthony Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Personality Disorders ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Personality Pathology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder ◽  
The Impact

This chapter reviews the literature on personality pathology in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It begins by comparing and contrasting OCD with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). These two conditions have a longstanding yet frequently misunderstood relationship. Though they share some overlapping features, recent research has established OCD and OCPD as distinct conditions. Even so, OCD and OCPD frequently cooccur. The chapter reviews the literature on comorbidity and the impact of OCPD on the clinical course and treatment of OCD, including evidence that OCPD may complicate OCD treatment. It also describes other personality disorders observed in OCD. Finally, it describes recent advances in the conceptualization of personality disorders, including dimensional approaches, and concludes with directions for future research.

The Content, Quality and Impact of Cognitive Behavioural Case Formulation During Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 590-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Nattrass ◽  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Gillian E. Hardy ◽  
Tom Ricketts
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Case Formulation ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
The Impact

Background: Case formulation (CF) is considered a core component of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Despite this, few studies have explored the content and quality of CFs in routine practice and any associated impact on treatment outcome. Aims: This study investigated (1) the content, timing and quality of CF for patients (N = 29) with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; (2) the impact of CF on symptoms, distress and therapeutic alliance; and (3) the relationship between CF quality and treatment outcome. Method: CF content and quality were assessed from audiotapes of routine CBT sessions using a validated coding manual and evaluated against treatment outcomes at different stages of therapy. Results: CFs were developed early during treatment and contained strong behavioural and cognitive components, with a focus on symptoms and maintaining factors. CF quality ratings ranged from rudimentary to excellent. A significant improvement in distress and the therapeutic alliance occurred following the introduction of CF, but no significant relationship was found between CF quality and outcome at any stage of treatment. Conclusion: CF may be valuable in reducing patient attrition, due to its impact early in treatment. Further research is needed to explore the most important components of CF. Theoretically sound and disorder specific measurement tools for evaluating CFs are required.

Building design for people with dementia: a case study of a UK care home

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 349-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee H. Fisher ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
Erika Anneli Pärn ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Living Space ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact that building design has upon the quality of life for residents of a care home who have dementia. To present a balanced perspective, carers within the care home also participate in the research. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodological approach was adopted using one care home, ten residents and five staff as a sample frame. During interviews conducted, participants were asked semi-structured questions on how building design features impact upon the quality of life of residents. Questions posed focussed upon key design principles that emerged from a detailed review of extant literature. Findings Building design for people with dementia must consider a complex array of features to provide a safe and habitable living space for residents and family members who visit. This living space must also be suitably utilitarian and provide a workable environment for staff. Hence, an appropriate balance between these two competing requirements must be attained, and often a tailor-made solution is required that fits the individual’s level of dementia. Three prominent areas that study participants expressed a desire for were a safe environment; support for wayfinding, orientation and navigation; and access to nature and the outdoors. Originality/value The work reports upon the rarely discussed issue of building design for people with dementia and could be used by policymakers and construction firms to enhance their knowledge capabilities in this area. The research concludes with direction for future research which should seek to provide more evidence-based research vis-a-vis perception enquiry and extend this seminal work to a larger sample of care homes or people with dementia living at home.

scholarly journals Experiences of Individuals Suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Qualitative Study

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anindita Bhattacharya ◽  
Amool Singh
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study was aimed at giving voice to the experiences of four people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Five in-depth interviews were conducted on each individual constructing themselves in the light of their own experiences. A “case study approach” was chosen as the suitable method to go in depth into the information and “thematic content analysis” was used as the method of analysis. The life stories of these individuals were reconstructed in terms of themes, and recurring themes were further explored and elucidated and linked with literature. This study helps in reaching the depths of life experiences of individuals suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and how it affects their life in the domains of family, interpersonal relationships, occupation and self- concept. The main themes identified were that of “Connection vs. Disconnection,” “Feeling of Guilt,” and “Authenticity” as particularly important areas for clinical practice and future research.

Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Co-Occurring Depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Wheaton ◽  
Epifania Rita Gallina
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comorbid Depression ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The Impact

Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) also experience co-occurring depression, which may complicate OCD treatment. Some data suggest that OCD patients with comorbid depression experience less improvement with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the recommended psychotherapy for OCD. In particular, depression may interfere with an individual's adherence to the tasks of CBT, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP). However, successful interventions exist for depression within CBT, including both cognitive therapy and behavioral activation, which can be added in treating OCD patients with depression. This article reviews the literature on the impact of comorbid depression on OCD treatment and then describes the treatment of an adult with both conditions. This case history demonstrates how depression-specific interventions can be incorporated into standard ERP to maximize OCD treatment gains. We also review important practice points for treating clinicians and areas for future research.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on obsessive compulsive disorder: a single case study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S120-S121
Author(s):  
Josephine Sibanda-Mbanga ◽  
Anusha Govender
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveA growing body of research evidence shows that individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic including deterioration of OCD symptoms plus relapse from previously well-controlled OCD. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is discussed in a single case study of a patient with OCD consisting of contamination concerns. In addition, the effectiveness of providing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) virtually is evaluated with regards to the treatment outcome in COVID-19 related OCD.Case reportThis study describes a 41-year-old, single, employed female with OCD consisting of concerns of contamination and infecting others thereby causing harm. The total duration of the disorder is 32 years with the most recent presentation being of three years duration. Relapse during the pandemic resulted in OCD symptoms being solely concerned with COVID-related contamination. The questionnaires routinely completed at the time of assessment and treatment were the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (OCI); Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Clinical data were collated and analysed prior to and during the pandemic. Treatment consisted of ERP and was adapted for provision via a virtual platform. ERP involved exposure to a graded hierarchy of COVID-specific anxiety-provoking situations modified to take government guidelines into consideration.DiscussionPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic the patient's response to treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including ERP indicated a 79% improvement in OCD symptoms on self -rated measures. The impact of the pandemic led to a significant 65% deterioration in OCD symptoms, regarding COVID-19 contamination concerns. Intervention with ERP resulted in 73% improvement over a three-month period. Measures of depression symptoms indicated an 80% improvement pre-COVID, with a 78% deterioration at relapse. Following treatment, the patient also showed a 65% improvement in depression symptoms. Improvements have been maintained at one month follow-up.ConclusionThe case study supports literature indicating the exacerbation of OCD symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with contamination fears and washing compulsions. The promising results support the use of ERP as an effective treatment for COVID-related OCD symptoms. It also validates the provision of CBT interventions virtually to ensure accessibility of treatment to OCD sufferers.

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