Question

A 28-year-old medical student comes to your office because he is distressed by his repetitive checking of thecardoortoseeifitis locked. He states that after he parks the car and gets to his house, he feels as if the car door is not locked and goes back to check on it. This happens several times and has led to his being late for his clerkships and getting yelled at by his chief. Think:

Answer 1

The student is experiencing symptoms consistent with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Engaging in repetitive checking of the car door is a compulsion done in response to the obsessive thought that the door may not be locked. A thorough assessment and treatment plan by a mental health professional is needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

This medical student is experiencing symptoms consistent with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. The student's repetitive checking of the car door is an example of a compulsion, which is done in response to the obsessive thought that the car door may not be locked.

People with OCD often engage in these behaviors to relieve anxiety or prevent a feared event from occurring. In this case, the student is worried about the car door being unlocked and feels compelled to repeatedly check it.

A thorough assessment by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, is necessary to formally diagnose OCD and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medication.