Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attachment

Authors

  • João Miguel Ferreira Perestrelo Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho
  • Sara Melo Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho
  • Graça Mendes Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho
  • Georgina Lapa Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25752/psi.12229

Keywords:

Attachment, Obsessive-Compulsive, Eating Disorder

Abstract

Background: The attachment theory aims to explain how the biological predispositions and the earlier experiences influences the mental health and psychopathology.

Aims: To present a clinical case about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a male adolescent with an anxious attachment style. A review about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attachment is also presented.

Methods: A case report about an adolescent with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with comorbid Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is presented. The Father and Mother Attachment Questionnaire was applied to clarify the attachment style. A review of the theme was made exploring the connection between attachment and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, its approach and treatment.

Results: The Father and Mother Attachment Questionnaire revealed an anxious attachment style in the adolescent.

Conclusions: This case might ilustrate how an anxious attachment style could influence the pychological development. A psychopharmacological approach together with psychotherapy, involving the patient and family, seems to be the more adequate approach as highlighted in this case.

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Published

2018-07-02

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Case Reports

License

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