How do you approach the assessment and treatment of older adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Sample interview questions: How do you approach the assessment and treatment of older adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Sample answer:

  1. Assessment:
  2. Utilize comprehensive geriatric assessment tools designed for older adults to gather information about their physical, cognitive, and psychological health.
  3. Conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to understand the nature, severity, and impact of OCD symptoms, including their specific obsessions and compulsions.
  4. Assess for co-occurring medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive impairments that may influence the presentation of OCD symptoms.
  5. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as geriatricians, neurologists, and psychiatrists, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s overall health and functioning.

  6. Treatment:

  7. Prioritize non-pharmacological interventions as the first line of treatment due to potential drug interactions and adverse effects in older adults.
  8. Provide psychoeducation about OCD and its management, including information on the nature of the disorder, common symptoms, and available treatment options.
  9. Implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), which has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing OCD symptoms in older adults.
  10. Adapt CBT techniques to consider age-related changes, such as cognitive flexibility, sensory impairments, and physical limitations.
  11. Collaborate with family members and caregivers to provide support and guidance in implement… Read full answer

    Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_17/Geropsychologist

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