Hughes would be diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, with differential diagnoses consisting of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and agoraphobia. As DSM-V (2013) states, the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar 1 Disorder are as stated, "For a diagnosis of bipolar 1 disorder, it is necessary to meet the following criteria for a manic episode. The manic episode may have been preceded by and may be followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes" (p. 123). This diagnosis may very well apply to Howard Hughes, as throughout the film The Aviator, he demonstrates an impulsive personality and is not adverse to taking enormous risks, in which his entire fortune and even life are on the line. He alternates between manic-depressive moments, where he shuts himself away for months, and moments where he emerges as a king-of-the-world type of figure (as in the court room scene towards the end of the film, when he defends himself). These behaviors are indicative of an individual who suffers from Bipolar 1 according to the DSM-V, as Hughes has both hypomanic moments and major depressive episodes.
At the same time there may be occurring OCD, as Hughes demonstrates a severe reaction to germs and agoraphobia (which he likely inherited or learned from his mother, as the film demonstrates early on), and his mental intrusions (paranoia -- suspecting his home of being tapped) could indicate OCD (Steketee, 2003). However, it could also be that Hughes had legitimate reason to suspect that he might be spied on (as the arrival of the FBI indicates). Also, the appearance of men in Hazmat suits at the end of the film is enough to cause Hughes to have a breakdown -- though this is likely more a trigger of his bi-polar personality than a crumbling due to OCD or agoraphobia (as he has already swung from recluse to triumphant defender in court to successful developer and then back to panicked, manic-stricken man feeling out of control).
Were OCD the main cause of Hughes' problems, Hughes would likely be incapable of appearing in and defending himself in court with such energy were he a true agoraphobic sufferer, and his OCD is more likely a symptom of his Bipolar 1 disorder as it is the latter that appears to be the causative agent for his extreme ups and downs throughout his life as portrayed in the film. Thus as far as differentials are concerned, one should not rule out OCD or agoraphobia but should not treat them as the primary diagnosis, because the primary challenge for Mr. Hughes is rooted in his wild swings from one mood to another, his (reckless) impulsivity, his blind determination, his alternating feelings of exaltation and despair, and his paranoia (in which "adverse childhood events," such as his mother's instilling in him a fear of germs, can serve as a factor) (Upthegrove, Chard, Jones, Gordon-Smith et al., 2015, p. 191; Chouinard, 2012). But a possible psychological test (MMPI) could be conducted in order to further assess Mr. Hughes and provide a path to possible best treatment.
Four different treatment options for Hughes based on a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder would be a) psychopharmacological treatments, b) psychological treatments, c) family therapy-based treatments, and d) biomedical treatments.
A psychopharmacological treatment in Mr. Hughes case would consist of a "first line with lithium, divalproex, or an antipsychotic medication" to treat his mania, while for his depressive episodes, quetiapine or lamotrigine could be utilized (Connolly, Thase, 2011, p. 2). While this treatment may be viewed as effective in clinical guidelines, the use of drugs on the patient might not be the most appropriate course of action, given the patient's strong desire to pursue courses of action that relate to his passion projects. Thus, there may be a better approach to treating his bipolar 1. Prescriptive drugs might be useful as a support but I would not recommend them as a main form of therapy. Instead, I would advocate a psychological treatment, supported by prescriptive drugs (as a precautionary method).
The psychological treatment that would be most beneficial in this case would cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription drugs, which may be needed for possible bipolar disorder. I would recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because of its goal-oriented approach (which I believe would suit Mr. Hughes well as he is obviously able to accomplish goal-oriented tasks and continue on a determined course once he has committed himself to it). The finishing of the Spruce Goose is an example...
OCD in Childhood Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common psychological, anxiety disorder that is characterized by repetitive and intrusive thoughts and stereotypic behaviors frequently associated with dread and compulsion (Walitza). These intrusive thoughts can be scary and the behaviors are often disruptive to the development of social relationships and therefore debilitating especially to children and adolescents. OCD affects approximately 3% of the population and an early age of symptoms onset during
These studies show the importance of confronting feared stimuli for extinguishing anxiety. However, at the same time, other research has found that the cognitive methodology has had equal results to the ERP in OCD treatment. Hackman and McLean report that they have as positive results with thought-stopping as those found with ERP. Once again, however, the number of studies has been very small (Abromowitz). It has only been in the
Here is what is known for now: Patients who are found to have OCD generally display symptoms along the lines of having compulsions, obsessions, doubting, hyper-vigilance and the need to control their environment. No one is completely certain what it is that causes OCD, although there are two trains of thought on the matter. Some people believe that OCD is a psychological disorder and others believe that it is
OCD is in many ways a homogeneous disorder. The disorder has a prevalence of around 2% to 3% of the population, and this prevalence is likely underestimated in many different countries / and descriptions of obsessions and compulsions have been remarkably consistent over time and place. Neurobiological studies have consistently found evidence that cortical-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CTSC) circuits play a crucial role in mediating the disorder and treatment research has invariably demonstrated
Diagnosis in children is sometimes difficult since they often try to mask symptoms. The following questions are a good indicator that the child needs to be evaluated by a professional: Do you have worries, thoughts, images, feelings, or ideas that bother you? Do you have to check things over and over again? Do you have to wash your hands a lot, more than most kids? Do you count to a certain number or
The resulting anxiety then is managed by training children to use strategies that help them work with their anxiety in a more effective and less disruptive way. Anxiety management techniques may include relaxation training, distraction, or imagery. Often, OCD is personified as something that makes the child perform an action. Thus, children learn to assess situations and ask themselves if they really want to do something, as opposed to the
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