Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Risk assessment and management in obsessive–compulsive disorder

2009; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 15; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1192/apt.bp.107.004705

1472-1481

David Veale, Mark H. Freeston, Georgina Krebs, Isobel Heyman, Paul M. Šalkovskis,

Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies

Summary Some people with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) experience recurrent intrusive sexual, aggressive or death-related thoughts and as a result may be subjected to lengthy or inappropriate risk assessments. These apparent ‘primary’ risks can be dealt with relatively easily through a careful understanding of the disorder's phenomenology. However, there are other, less obvious ‘secondary’ risks, which require more careful consideration. This article discusses the differentiation of intrusive thoughts and urges in people with OCD from those experienced by sexual or violent offenders; assessing the risk of self-harm and suicide; discussing the nature of repugnant obsessions with a patient; assessing risk of harm and violence to the dependents and family living with someone with the disorder; and assessing the lack of insight and the use of the Mental Health Act. Issues specifically related to children and young people with OCD are also highlighted.