Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Marble Burying and Nestlet Shredding as Tests of Repetitive, Compulsive-like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: December 24, 2013
Behaviour therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder in a 78-year-old woman
1Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
Objective:
To describe a case of late onset obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and determine the impact of a behavioural intervention on OCD symptoms.
Design:
A single case design was undertaken in which the severity of the patient's OCD symptoms was measured before and after treatment.
Setting:
The intervention was undertaken in the patient's home.
Patient:
A 78-year-old woman with a history of depression who experienced sudden onset and rapid escalation of OCD following a domestic accident.
Intervention:
A behavioural procedure involving continuous in vivo exposure and response prevention over an 8-hour period.
Measures:
The Y-BOCS self-rating scale (Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) and clinical observation.
Results:
Y-BOCS score improved from 35 prior to treatment to 12 post treatment (mean for OCD population = 25.1; SD = 6, Goodman et al., 1989). Improvement was maintained at 2 months follow-up (Y-BOCS = 11). Improvements in confusion and agitation were also observed.
Conclusions:
This case study supports the use of behavioural interventions for elderly patients suffering from OCD. Risk factors and treatment designs are discussed in view of the literature.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
01:22Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:24Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with...