Beyond repetition. Resilience in obsessive-compulsive disorder - case study

Introduction: The obsessive-compulsive disorder can be disabling and traumatizing, especially at a young age, and its psycho-social consequences being an element very difficult to pass. Objectives: This paper intends to describe the key elements of the phenomenon of resilience in the case of person who experience the obsessive-compulsive disorder. Method: We use the case study providing an example of a successful history of one person suffering from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. The history of the case was analyzed through interviews with the patient and key people in care; there have been administered standard instruments which aimed at resilience, adjustment and personality. Results: The data obtained suggest methods of adjustment, as well as psycho-social factors which might support resilience. Conclusions: Personal, contextual and interactional premises of resilience are possible in the case of people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder. The case analysis shown might be a good starting point for the extension of resilience study in people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.