Read the case and answer the questions that follow:
Mr. John is a twenty-seven year old man who consulted a psychologist to discuss what he calls his ‘silly habits’. He reports that for several years he had to check and recheck electrical appliances, as well as doors and windows, before leaving home each morning and again before going to bed. At times, the checking has made him late for work and has disturbed his sleep such that he had to get up to check everything several times yet again. When questioned about the reasons for this behaviour, Mr. John reported that he could not stop thinking that electrical appliances may short circuit and cause a disastrous fire or that his house may be broken into and he will lose all valuables. He recognises these concerns and the resulting checking as excessive and unreasonable, yet feels compelled to do something to alleviate the anxiety associated with the thoughts. During counselling, the psychologist found out that some time before the checking rituals started, a major fire had broken in Mr. John’s office and all important papers were destroyed.
i) Identify Mr. John’s disorder.
a. Generalised anxiety disorder
b. Major depressive disorders
c. Obsessive - compulsive disorder
d. Somatic symptom disorder
ii) Which of the following statements represents his repetitive thoughts?
a. For a number of years, he had to check and recheck electrical appliances.
b. He had to get up to check everything a number of times.
c. The checking has made him late for work.
d. He could not stop thinking that electrical appliances may short circuit and cause a disastrous fire.
(iii) Which disorder also comes under the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders?
a. Excoriation disorder
b. Acute stress disorder
c. Adjustment disorder
d. Cyclothymic disorder
