Question

Samir is constantly worried about catching a cold. In fact, Samir washes his hand about 20 times a day. When asked, Samir says he can't afford to be sick, and then goes to a lecture about how many germs are around. Sometimes Samir washes his hands so much that they bleed. What disorder do you think Samir is suffering from?

a. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
b. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
c. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
d. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Answer 1

Samir is likely suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition marked by excessive repeated behaviors and intrusive thoughts, which in his case, revolve around fear of germs and becoming sick.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Samir's behaviors, such as excessive handwashing to the point of causing bleeding and his extreme worry about catching a cold, it appears that Samir may be suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels the urge to repeat over and over. In Samir's case, the fear of germs and getting sick are likely the obsessions, and the repeated handwashing is the compulsion. This disorder is different from the common practice of handwashing to prevent illness, as discussed in the provided reference material, because it involves excessive rituals that interfere with daily functioning and can cause significant distress.

OCD is part of a larger category of conditions known as anxiety disorders, which affect almost 18 percent of U.S. adults in a single year. It is crucial to distinguish between normal anxiety, which is a common reaction to stress, and anxiety disorders which last for an extended time and can significantly impact a person's life.