Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attachment

Abstract

Background: The attachment theory aims to explain how the biological predispositions and the earlier experiences influences the mental health and psychopathology. Aims: To present a clinical case about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a male adolescent with an anxious attachment style. A review about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attachment is also presented. Methods: A case report about an adolescent with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with comorbid Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is presented. The Father and Mother Attachment Questionnaire was applied to clarify the attachment style. A review of the theme was made exploring the connection between attachment and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, its approach and treatment. Results: The Father and Mother Attachment Questionnaire revealed an anxious attachment style in the adolescent. Conclusions: This case might ilustrate how an anxious attachment style could influence the pychological development. A psychopharmacological approach together with psychotherapy, involving the patient and family, seems to be the more adequate approach as highlighted in this case.

Keywords

• Vinculação
• Perturbação Obsessivo-Compulsiva
• Comportamento Alimentar