Oscar's Case Study: Oscar Is A Look With A Factitious Disorder

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Oscar could be diagnosed with a factitious disorder (FD). He is likely to be diagnosed with this disorder because his recurring episodes (spells or seizures) only happen in social situations for attention. Oscar has a history with illnesses that suddenly disappear. The staff realized his episodes occurred only in group therapy, so he was restricted to the unit, a place alone, and Oscar stopped having “spells”. When Oscar returned to a public setting, the spells would reappear. Oscar’s episodes resemble a person having seizures, but when an electroencephalogram (EEG) was ordered, the EEG read nonspecific. This indicates his “spells” were most likely fabricated. Furthermore, the neurologist told Oscar that loss of bladder and bowel control happened …show more content…

Normally, FD would be treated by using psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and/or family therapy (Barlow & Durand, 2012). For Oscar’s case, family therapy and CBT would most likely be the most effective. The origin of the disorder must first be discovered, whether it stems from a childhood experience or a stressful event in life (Barlow & Durand, 2012). Then, the therapist must reduce any reinforcing or supportive consequences from the FD symptoms and collaborate with the family to eliminate self-defeating behavior (Barlow & Durand, 2012). CBT will help provide reassurance to Oscar, change his way of thinking, and minimize help-seeking behaviors. Oscar was given antipsychotic medicine for his psychosis disorder and was successfully tapered off the medication. Also, he was given risperidone for his dyskinesia and over the course of two years he was tapered off the medication, as well. Both treatments were effective, given, Oscar’s medical conditions suddenly disappeared. Oscar has never had an intervention for his …show more content…

In most cases, however, FD is a long-term condition that can be very difficult to treat (Feldman, Hamilton &, Janata, 2009). Additionally, many people with FD deny they are faking symptoms and will not seek or follow treatment (Feldman et al.). Oscar’s condition may worsen, even with offered treatment, mainly due to his intellectual ability and his failure to fully cooperate with the medical staff. Over the years, Oscar has convinced himself that something is wrong with him to maintain his stay at a hospital, so to eradicate his way of thinking, for over a decade, will be tedious work, however, manageable. If Oscar agrees to cooperate with the treatment, he can be placed in the hospital with limited attention from medical staff. This will help reduce any reinforcing consequences from his FD symptoms. Furthermore, his mother might not participate in family therapy for Oscar’s recovery, so if Oscar does show signs of progression, interactions with his mother may act as a catalyst for Oscar’s FD to resurface. Overall, Oscar will most likely be impaired by his FD for the rest of his

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