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Suicidal Ideation Versus Suicidal Obsession: A Case Report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Alzbeta Juven Wetzler ,
Rachela Elias ,
Leah Fostick  and
Joseph Zohar
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Abstract

This case report illustrates the relationship between stress and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by describing an unusual case of OCD sequelae following a suicide attempt. The patient is a 29-year-old married woman who suffered a major depressive episode without OCD and tried to commit suicide by drinking household cleaner. Following the attempt, violent obsessive thoughts of harming herself and others emerged along with avoidance behavior. After exposure therapy, there was a decrease in her obsessive thoughts, less anxiety, and no avoidance behavior. This report highlights not only the existence of “posttraumatic obsession” but also the importance of accurate interpretation of suicidal preoccupation, leading to the diagnosis of OCD rather then suicidal ideation secondary to depression.

Type
Case Report
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 12 , Issue 7 , July 2007 , pp. 553 - 556
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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References

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