Improvement of the perception of compulsive behavior in a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder by video feedback

Author(s): Trabert, W.

Journal/Book: Verhaltenstherapie. 1996; 6: Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland. Karger. 162-169.

Abstract: Essential to the definition of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is that the patient perceives his symptoms as senseless and 'ego-dystonic'. On the other hand, recent studies have shown that, consistent with clinical experience, a considerable portion of the behavior regarded by the therapist to be obsessive-compulsive was not seen as such by the patient. He regards this behavior as 'ego-syntonic' and normal, his perception varying according to the situation. Consequently, the patient does not look upon this behavior as something that generally needs to be changed, despite the fact that he suffers its consequences and seeks treatment. Taking the example of one patient, it will be shown that the perception of compulsive behavior can be considerably improved through the use of uncommented video feedback of this behavior. Further improvement could be achieved through additional commentary on the part of the therapist. In this way the patient was motivated to change the compulsive behavior that was previously not always perceived as being compulsive, but instead as 'ego-syntonic'.

Note: Article MJ Foltys, Univ Jena, Psychiat Klin, Philosophenweg 3, D-07440 Jena, Germany

Keyword(s): obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD); video feedback; ego-syntonic; ego-dystonic; THERAPY

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Improvement of the perception of compulsive behavior in a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder by video feedback - A single-case study