Question

A 52-year-old man with raw, chapped hands is referred to a psychiatrist by his primary care doctor. The man reports that he washes his hands repeatedly, spending up to 4 hours a day, using abrasive cleansers and scalding hot water. Although he admits that his hands are uncomfortable, he is entirely convinced that unless he washes in this manner he will become gravely ill. A medical workup is unrevealing, and the man takes no medications. What is the most appropriate diagnosis? Delusional disorder, somatic type. Illness anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, with absent insight. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder.

Answer 1

Answer:

I would say it is a delusional disorder of somatic type

Explanation:

Chronic delusional disorder has to do with paranoia and paraphrenia. Among the delusions that occur in this type of disorder there are several types: being persecuted (persecutory type), having a disease (somatic type), being loved by some person of greater importance (erotomaniac type), possessing an unfaithful partner (celotypic type) or have a prodigious gift (mega lomaniac type).

In somatic delusional disorder it is accompanied by hypochondriac delirium and is also known as monosymptomatic hypochondrial psychosis. It is a chronic pathology, it is characterized by a delirium that compromises the body or its functioning. In this case, think he has a disease and therefore constantly wash his hands.

Answer 2

Answer:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD)

Explanation:

The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning, can significantly interfere with a person's daily activities and social interactions. ... For people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, thoughts are persistent and unwanted routines and behaviors are rigid and not doing them causes great distress