RAPOPORT (1989)

Question 1

What was the aim of Rapoport’s study?

Answer 1

• To invesigate the presentation of OCD in children.
• To highlight how severe complusions can interfere with daily life.

Question 2

What methods did Rapoport (1989) use?

Answer 2

• (longitudinal design)
• Case study

Question 3

Describe the sample of Rapoports case study (1989)?

Answer 3

• 14 y/o boy
• Named ‘Charles’
• Diagnosed with OCD.

Question 4

What were Charles’ obsessions?

Answer 4

obsession- he had something ‘sticky’ on his skin that had to be washed off.

Question 5

What were Charles’ complusions?

Answer 5

• Washing/ cleaning behaviour- spent 3 hours a day showering and 2 hours getting dressed.
• Washing/ cleaning- washed his hands obsessively. He had a handwashing ritual (hold soap in right hand, under the tape and then left hand, and then away from the tap.

Question 6

Summarise the case details of Rapoports study?

Answer 6

1. Prior- had been a good student with a paticular interest in science.
2. Onset- at the age of 12 he began excessive washing, he was first able to keep it under control, but began to spend more of his school day washing.
3. Obsession- he developed an obsession he had something ‘sticky’ on his skin.
4. Compulsion- He had a handwashing ritual and would repeat it for an hour. He also spent 3 hours a day showering and another 2 hours getting dressed.
5. Impairments He had to leave school as he could never leave on time, and lost his freinds.
6. Mother’s intervention: in order to help him overcome obsession/ worrying she cleaned the house with alcohol to kill germs and did not allow vistors as they supposedly had ‘germs’ which would then upset Charles.

Question 7

How was Charles treated prior to the case study?

Answer 7

• Hospitalised multiple times due to condition, medication, behavioural therapy + psychotherapy.

Question 8

How did the researcher treat Charles?

Answer 8

• • Rapoport wanted Charles to have an EEG but he refused as he found the ‘stickiness’ to be like a ‘disease’.
• Charles responded well to drug therapy (Clomipramine) and his OCD symptoms reduced, BUT he developed a tolerance for the drug (leading to a relapse)
• • However, then he only engaged in his OCD behaviour in the evenings so as not to disrupt his day. (managed to go back to school)- he could even pour honey on his skin/ engage with honey.

Question 9

Issues and debates- application to real life?

Answer 9

• Helps to develop an understanding of how individuals experience OCD and how severe compulsions can significant impair functioning in areas of life such as schooling.
• Demonstrates the uniqueness, and diversity of obsessions- such as Charles ‘stickiness’ obsessions.
• Emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.