Melanie, a 24-year-old client, tells her nurse that she brushes her teeth up to 20 times per day. Her dentist has told her that it is causing a loss of the tooth enamel and gum recession, but Melanie feels that she has to do it. The nurse should recognize this phenomenon as which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Melanie's behavior of brushing her teeth up to 20 times per day, despite being aware of its harmful consequences, is indicative of a compulsion. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that individuals feel compelled to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly, aimed at reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation. This behavior is not merely an obsession (persistent, unwanted thoughts), a manic episode (period of abnormally elevated mood and energy levels), or a panic attack (sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort).

Melanie, a 24-Year-Old Client, Tells Her Nurse That She Brushes