Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD

This article titled “Common Pitfalls in Exposure and Response prevention (EX/RP) for OCD” by Seth J. Gillihan was published in the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in May 2012 and discusses various mistakes that well-meaning therapists might make while using ERP therapy. For example, some therapists don’t encourage their clients to go far enough in their exposures — to do what is most difficult for them. Other therapists might choose the wrong type of exposures, or even interfere with proper therapy by encouraging the use of distraction. Some other topics discussed in the article, which I highly recommend reading, include providing reassurance, treating peripheral symptoms and not the core fear, and ineffectively handling mental compulsions. Dr. Gillihan’s analysis demonstrates how important it is to work with experienced therapists who truly understand the complexities of OCD and ERP. Also, ERP Therapy, like OCD, is often misrepresented by the media and misunderstood by the general public. Reality shows where patients are asked to do things such as licking toilet seats do more harm than good. Someone with OCD who is already apprehensive about beginning treatment will surely stay away after seeing this portrayal. We need to present accurate, quality information. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is the evidence-based psychological therapy recommended by the American Psychological Association for the treatment of obsessive-compul...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Caregivers Family Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Parenting Psychology Psychotherapy Treatment anxious thoughts Avoidance Desensitization exposure Exposure Response Prevention Therapy Obsessions Ocd Rituals Source Type: news