Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Essays - Psychiatric Diagnosis

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Are you the type of person who has a phobia of germs, dirt, or contaminated bodily fluids? Is the only way to feel safe and pure is for you to cleanse yourself countless times a day? Or maybe you`re the type of person who has to check things twice, three times or more. Perhaps you`re the type of person who has to do everything twice, or by a fixed number. Maybe you are the type of person who must have everything neatly placed, and if misplaced at all you throw a tantrum. If you are a person who happens to do any of these things then maybe you have OCD, the acronym for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (formerly known as obsessive neurosis) is categorized as an anxiety disorder because the main focus seems to be anxiety and discomfort that is usually increased by the obsessions (thoughts) and decreased by the compulsions or rituals (actions). (Baer 3) According to Baer, Obsessions are defined as recurrent, persistent ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses that are experienced, at least initially, as intrusive and senseless. Compulsions are defined as repetitive, purposeful, and intentional behaviors that are performed in response to an obsession or according to certain rules or in a stereotypical fashion. (Baer 3) Obsession-compulsive disorder usually begins in late adolescence in one to two thirds of reported cases. The problem is associated with significant life changes. Obsessive-compulsive disorder results from biological and psychological influences. Abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin may play a role in OCD. Catscans of people with OCD have discovered irregularities in the activity level of the orbital cortex, caudate nucleus, cingulate cortex, and a brain circuit that assists control movements of the limbs. (Pato 8) Many patients report having numerous neurotic problems during childhood. These patients become socially isolated, and consequently fall into a deep depression. This disorder affects males and females quite differently. People with OCD tend to have a high celibacy rate, particularly males. Both sexes tend to marry at an older age than other types of psychiatric patients, and they have a low fertility rate. (Rachman 6) Most studies concluded that OCD patients possess higher than average intelligence. The average OCD patient has many types of compulsive behavior. The anxiety of OCD is caused through its persistence. (Mavissakalian 15) And maybe this is why cleaning and checking rituals are the most common types of obsessive-compulsive disorder. These patients carry out activities as disinfecting of objects, excessive hand washing until the hands are so clean that they crack and bleed, excessive showering, and excessive rinsing of dishes. Securing locks, alarm clocks, gas jets, and looking under the bed are some of the checking rituals OCD patients have. If the obsessive-compulsive person qualms and ponders when the ritual is not performed systematically. The task of this patient must be carried out to perfection or it will not be preventative or restorative. The checking ritual is described as intending to prevent some state of balance and order to avoid infectivity from some distressing stimuli. (Rachman 14) Some obsessional people often feel a compulsive need to arrange things in their environment. To the observer, compulsive arranging seems identical with the activities of normal, neat-minded people. The major distinction is the accompanying experience of compulsivity. The frustration experienced by the obsessional person is a result of disobedience of a different order severely disturbed by any deviation from the set order and feels compelled to reposition the status quo. (Reed 38) For example, if someone puts a document on your desk then this person just moved an item from your possession, in turn when you arrive, you have to remove the item and put anything that was interfered with back to a precise order. Sigmund Freud was particularly fascinated in the obsessive-compulsive disorder. He referred to it as the obsessional neurosis, and in 1926 Freud wrote it was unquestionably the most interesting and re-paying subject of analytic research. But as a research it has not been mastered. (Cooper 9) Freud also found evidence of passive sexuality, and sexual experience yielding pleasure. The defenses used in obsessional neurosis are denial, repression, regression, reaction formulation, isolation, undoing, magical thinking, doubting, indecision, intellectualization, and rationalization. Washing is most frequently engaged to an undoing of a dirtying action. In analytic therapy, obsessive-compulsive neurosis is regarded as the second type of transference neurosis. In hysterics, the ego forms an alliance with the analyst to battle the neurosis. In compulsive neurotics, the ego is split, with one part working logically while the other thinks in fantasy. (Cooper 14) Obsessions and compulsions

Things Fall Apart Study Guide and Discussion Questions

'Things Fall Apart' Study Guide and Discussion Questions Things Fall Apart is a famous novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. Its considered an important work in world literature, albeit a controversial one. The book has been banned in some places for its negative portrayal  of European colonialism. The book is split into three parts showing the reader the negative effects of colonization on the main characters tribe. It also shows how Christian missionaries work to convert the African population helped to forever alter their culture. The book was written in 1958 and became one of the first books from Africa to become world renowned. It is seen as an archetype for the modern African novel. This is a recommended book to read in a book club because of the depth of the work. Plot Summary Protagonist Okonkwo becomes a successful farmer and earns titles and respect in his community, even though his father, Unoka, was seen as lazy, making him a disrespected laughingstock. His father is a source of shame for Okonkwo, whos strived to be everything his father has not. Hes domineering over his family as a result, and his overarching desire to always seem manly leads to his downfall. He takes in a ward, given to him to care for as a peace offering to avoid war with the neighboring Mbaino community. An oracle says the boy must be killed, but Okonkwo is advised not to do it. He does it anyway. But its after the accidental killing of a leader in his community that he and his family are exiled for seven years. When they return, they find that much has changed in their community because of white missionaries coming to town. Theyve set up a prison, a European-style court of law, a church, school, and hospital. Okonkwo doesnt understand why the people havent revolted against these oppressors. Then, the benevolent Mr. Brown is replaced by a strict reverend who isnt interested in the peoples existing culture. Violence eventually ensues, and the local leaders are eventually taken down by the colonizers. Okonkwo cannot cope and ends his own life. Main Characters These are the main characters in the novel: Okonkwo: protagonist whose fatal flaw is his inability to adapt to change and his reverence for needing to appear tough and manlyIkemefuna: clever, resourceful boy, ward of Okonkwo, whom he kills to not appear weak; given to Okonkwo to avoid warNwoye: son of Okonkwo, who becomes a Christian, a sensitive boyEzinma: daughter of Okonkwo, bold, her fathers favorite; the only surviving child of EkwefiEkwefi: Okonkwos second wifeUnoka: Okonkwos father, whom Okonkwo strives to be the opposite of; Unoka is lazy and enjoys music and conversation; is gentle, cowardly, and not ambitious; thus, he doesnt have the respect of the townsfolk.Obierika: best friend of OkonkwoOgbuefi Ezeudu: the elder of UmuofiaMr. Brown: missionary to Umuofia and Mbanta; patient, kind, respectful, open-minded person who builds a school and hospital in Umofia and encourages people to become literate to keep up with the rest of the world; represents colonizationthe Rev. James Smith: missionary who contrasts with Mr. Bro wn in that Smith is strict and doesnt compromise; has no interest in the native peoples culture; also represents colonization Major Themes In addition to the themes of the effect of colonization on African society and how cultures clash, there are personal themes as well. Readers can also examine how peoples character leads to their outcomes, such as in the case of how adaptable they are to change or inflexible (character is destiny). An examination of the book can look at human emotions and find commonalities and universals (people are people). The destiny theme can also be examined on a societal level. Achebe illustrates the complexity of the Igbo society and how it functions- unlike the authoritarian encroachers- without a strong central government. Is it destiny for the people to have been conquered, then? You can also examine how the community and people interact to find balance and function as a society. Historical Impact Things Fall Apart has become one of the most important books in African literature, as it was among the first major works to bring the African perspective to a worldwide audience and launched the continents modern literature. It even made Western anthropologists realize theyd been getting the story wrong and led them to a reexamine their methods and scholarship on Africas history and peoples. Though controversial to write a novel in the colonizers language, the book was able to reach more people that way, and Achebe was able to work untranslatable Ibo words into the telling so that people would be able to understand them through context as they read, rather than have a translator not achieve adequate subtleties of meaning. The book awakened pride in history and community for people in Africa and led them to realize that they could tell their own stories and that they were valid. Discussion Questions What is important about the title: Things Fall Apart? Is there a reference in the novel that explains the title?What are the conflicts in Things Fall Apart? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) are present?How does Chinua Achebe reveal character in Things Fall Apart?How do the storys themes relate to the plot and characters?What are some symbols in Things Fall Apart? How do they relate to the plot and characters?Are the characters consistent in their actions? Are they fully developed characters? Are some characters more fully developed than others? How? Why?Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?  Do you think the novel is meant to be political? What point was the author trying to make? Did he succeed?Why is the novel so controversial? Do you think the book should be censored or banned? Should it be taught in schools ? How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?What is the role of family and community in this novel? How does it change with the arrival of Europeans? How does it change when the missionaries arrive?Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why? What point do you think the author was making with the conclusion of the novel? Does your perspective change knowing there is a sequel?Would you recommend this novel to a friend?How is religion portrayed in this novel? Do you think the Christian missionaries had a positive or negative impact on the characters?Whats important about the time period the novel is set in?Why do you think the authors decision to write the novel in English  rather than his native language caused controversy?What point is the author trying to make about the African identity? What problems  does the author outline? Does he offer solutions?

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Marketing - Essay Example ations and it has been suggested that they should enter this market using the joint venture route with a local partner and leverage their capabilities by organizing a good supply chain. Tesco is the largest retail chain in the UK with over 11% share of the market and still growing. It is by far the most successful, most resourceful and most profitable of them all. It 2006 sales, worldwide were  £ 40 billion with profits of  £ 1.8 billion. Of this turnover 75% was generated in the UK and the rest overseas. The UK market is reaching saturation as well as referrals to the Competition Commission may see it slowing expansion or even curtailing some operations in the UK. This gives it the impetus for overseas growth. It is already planning to open up a 100 stores in the US in 2007 but Asia Pacific and especially India holds a great charm due to the huge potential in that region. Tesco covers food, clothing, home-use products and electronics. It keeps expanding its product range and it has a penchant for introducing new sales and channel formats. It is already deep into hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol retailing. It is less into product innovations but more into retail innovations that has seen it entering into high level Personal Finance, Telecoms, on-line service Tesco.com and most recently the Tesco Direct catalogue. (Euromonitor International). The company presently offers the customers a varied choice of both branded and private label products. It offers amazing discounts to its customers and 1999 was a landmark year where it invested  £ 380 millions bringing about price reductions across five separate campaigns. As a result prices were reduced for thousands of products by about 10%. Besides, over 200 stores operated 24x7 to offer its Club card holding customers fantastic deals. The company’s mission statement states that it endeavors to continuously create value for customer for earning lifetime loyalty. To this end its offers value