Question

A woman developed a number of compulsive washing rituals over the years. Then she became confused and had difficulty remembering the proper sequence of her routines, which distressed her greatly. She sought the help of a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her behavioral rituals served the purpose of:

A.Blocking delusions and hallucinations from awareness.
B.Providing temporary and partial relief from her anxiety.
C.Drawing attention and approval from significant others.
D.Increasing the inhibitory powers of her superego.

Answer 1

The woman's washing rituals are a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder, serving to temporarily relieve her anxiety. These compulsive behaviors are typical in OCD, where individuals engage in them to manage distress. Research in the field has focused on the brain-behavioral aspects and genetic factors of OCD. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The woman's behavioral rituals in the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) served the purpose of providing temporary and partial relief from her anxiety. Compulsions, such as washing rituals, are often used by individuals with OCD to alleviate the distress caused by obsessive thoughts. These rituals are not aimed at drawing attention, blocking psychotic symptoms, or influencing the superego, but rather at reducing the overwhelming anxiety associated with the disorder.

Treatments for OCD may include cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Research, like that conducted by Saxena et al., Schwartz, Seligman, Shih et al., has explored the brain-behavior relationships and the potential genetic contributions to OCD, as well as effective methods of provocation and symptom alleviation.