Lady Macbeth's Obsession Paper

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The tentative diagnosis I would offer for Lady MacBeth is Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). She meets the four criteria required for a diagnosis of OCD. Criterion A requires the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both (APA, 2013). The APA (2013) defines obsessions as “recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges or images…as intrusive and unwanted”
(p. 237). Likewise, compulsions are repetitive behaviors “that an individual feels driven to reform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied” (APA, 2013, p.
237). MacBeth has a clear obsession with germs that causes her a great deal of stress. In response to the obsession, she performs a compulsion of repeated and extendedly washing her hands.
The APA (2013) criterion …show more content…

237). MacBeth can spend up to six hours washing her hands or shaking her clothes in order to clear the germs. In doing so, she stresses about making and missing appointments, going to school, and other every day activities. Criterion C requires the obsessions to not be attributable to physiological effects, such as drug abuse (APA, 2013, p. 237). Macbeth has no history of drug abuse. Criterion D has a similar qualification, that the obsessions or compulsion not be attributable to a psychological condition (APA, 2013, p. 237).
One way to rule out other psychological conditions is through a differential diagnosis.
Anxiety disorder is precluded because Lady MacBeth’s compulsions and obsessions are not related to real life concerns—like the hyper-fear of germs or association with numbers (APA,
2013). She does not exhibit symptoms of other obsessive-compulsive disorders, such as body dyes Orphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), or hoarding (APA, 2013, p. 241). We can
WEEK 6 CASE STUDY 3 also rule out psychotic disorders, because she says that she has not experienced hallucinations or strong delusions when questioned by her …show more content…

Several studies demonstrated a significant genetic linkage, but other have had less clear results. Biedel, Frueh, and Hersen
(2014) discussed other studies that have found an interesting link between OCD and corticostriatal systems of the brain (p. 364).
Biedel, Frueh, and Hersen (2014) cited studies that showed that those diagnosed with
OCD have experienced an “increased number of lifetime traumatic events” (p. 367). Other factors, such as increased teasing and bullying early in life are also linked to higher incidents of
OCD (Biedel, Frueh, and Hersen, 2014, p,. 367). Like other aspects of OCD, much more research is needed in order to better understand the etiology of the condition.
Culturally, the condition seems to be prevalent and have similar symptoms across the world (APA, 2013, p. 240). The APA (2013) does discuss that the content of the symptoms have regional variation (p. 240).
Ethical Considerations
One major ethical consideration when diagnosing and treating OCD is the struggle to maintain agency and client decision making in the process. Some people do not want to end

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