OCD and Flooding Exposure

As an advocate for OCD awareness and proper treatment, I thought I was familiar with most things related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it was not until recently that I heard the term “flooding” in reference to OCD, and over the past couple of months I have connected with three parents of children with OCD who have dealt with this technique. For those of you who aren’t familiar with flooding as it relates to OCD, it involves the use of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. But instead of those with OCD creating a hierarchy and then working with their therapists to determine which exposures should be tackled first (also known as graduated exposures), they are “flooded” with the exposures that cause them the most fear and anxiety — the ones at the top of their hierarchy. As with any exposure, the person with OCD needs to remain in the situation, refraining from compulsions, until the anxiety subsides. To help clarify the difference between flooding and graduated exposures, the analogy of going for a swim is often used. If you jump right into the icy cold water, you feel the shock of the cold, though you will eventually acclimate. This is comparable to flooding. Entering the water slowly, perhaps dipping your toes first and then dabbing your arms, is similar to a graduated exposure. There is less shock to the body and it is likely more tolerable.  The hope is that both ways lead to the same result – an enjoyable swim....
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Panic OCD Treatment exposure response prevention therapy Flooding graduated exposure Source Type: blogs