Sample interview questions: How do you approach the assessment and treatment of older adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Sample answer:
- Assessment:
- Utilize comprehensive geriatric assessment tools designed for older adults to gather information about their physical, cognitive, and psychological health.
- Conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to understand the nature, severity, and impact of OCD symptoms, including their specific obsessions and compulsions.
- Assess for co-occurring medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive impairments that may influence the presentation of OCD symptoms.
-
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as geriatricians, neurologists, and psychiatrists, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s overall health and functioning.
-
Treatment:
- Prioritize non-pharmacological interventions as the first line of treatment due to potential drug interactions and adverse effects in older adults.
- Provide psychoeducation about OCD and its management, including information on the nature of the disorder, common symptoms, and available treatment options.
- Implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), which has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing OCD symptoms in older adults.
- Adapt CBT techniques to consider age-related changes, such as cognitive flexibility, sensory impairments, and physical limitations.
-
Collaborate with family members and caregivers to provide support and guidance in implement… Read full answer