NU664 Week 10 Discussion post

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Chosen Question: What could have been done differently in a patient with limited resources or access to care?

Several modifications for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be made if the patient has limited resources or has only limited access to health care. First, more cognitive behavioural therapy protocol availability, especially exposure and response prevention, can be achieved through access to mental health services within the community or online platforms that could offer low-cost or even completely free therapy sessions (Goodman et al., 2021). There are often inexpensive arrangements by many online therapists that can teach patients how to cope with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In addition, where frequent replenishment of medication is an issue, healthcare givers can advise on extended-release or generic forms of medications, which are cheaper. The common antidepressant used as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment is Fluoxetine, and its generic drugs are less costly (Akers, 2022). In order to enhance compliance, educational material concerning medication administration can be provided via the Internet or such centres. Community health workers could also support this because they would ensure patients come to the clinic on time to receive their treatment plan.

Other services, such as telemedicine and mobile health services, could have been important in this whole process. These platforms enable follow-up appointments that can be conducted via video or phone, sparing the patient the costs of transport, which could otherwise be problems for patients with restricted mobility or financial means (Reid et al., 2021). Some patients need their families or community support for emotional support, given that incorporating such support would enhance their compliance with treatment recommendations.

Conclusively, providing accessible, cost-effective mental health resources is essential for patients with OCD who face limited resources or access to care. Increasing community support for treatment, access to cheap and quality medication, and telehealth modalities help fill the gaps in treatment. Additionally, telemedicine and local support networks reinforce continuity of care and let patients manage their symptoms. With these strategies, healthcare providers can deliver on the patient’s needs, thus treating them without any hitches occasioned by financial or physical limitations.

References

Akers, A. S. (2022, June 24). Best medications for OCD symptoms. Medical News Today. Retrieved on October 20, 2024, from: Best medications for OCD symptoms (medicalnewstoday.com)

Goodman, W. K., Storch, E. A., & Sheth, S. A. (2021). Harmonizing the neurobiology and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(1), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20111601

Reid, J., Fineberg, N. A., Drummond, L., Laws, K., Vismara, M., Grancini, B., & Mpavaenda, D. (2021). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: does CBT with exposure and response (ERP) prevention work? BJPsych Open, 7(S1), S284–S285. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.757

NU664 Week 10 Discussion post