The girl who would not sit--case report
Matheiken, S.
Psychiatria Danubina 27 Suppl. 1: S533-S534
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0353-5053 PMID: 26417833 Document Number: 682946
A 21 year old girl presented with severe fear of contamination leading to 11 hours of cleaning per day and refusal to sit down anywhere except at home or in mother's car. She also had a moderate depressive episode secondary to social stressors and further isolation due to her lack of time to socialize as cleaning was her priority. She was supported according to the biopsychosocial model of care i.e. An antidepressant (Sertraline), 1:1 psychology and alternative housing away from precipitating and perpetuating stressors. She improved significantly over 6 months, but the cultural issues and stigma continued to hinder the longer-term care plans. The importance of understanding the beliefs and customs of the Travellers' community is highlighted with this case report.