Cognitive Therapy For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A Cognitive Approach to Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Based on research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, this manual presents for the first time a purely cognitive approach to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This approach avoids the highly distressing exposure component of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) that is commonly used to treat the symptoms of OCD. Not only does this cognitive therapy (CT) approach open up the option of psychotherapy to those OCD sufferers who resist exposure-based therapy, it also holds great promise for treating OCD sufferers with mental rituals as well as those who struggle concurrently with depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.

The strategies described in this book focus intensively on the intrusive thoughts that can trigger negative beliefs and drive compulsive behaviors. The manual begins with a brief review of current facts about OCD. Then it describes how cognitive therapy can be applied to OCD. The several treatment modules that follow outline a brief three-to-four session approach therapists can use to help clients make real progress on their OCD beliefs and behavioral symptoms. Each module is complemented by a series of client worksheets and handouts.

This purely cognitive approach to OCD offers a number of benefits including:

• CT avoids the discomfort of prolonged exposure and response prevention (ERP)
• The therapy can be conducted entirely in the therapist's office
• CT is especially useful for patients with mental rituals and neutralizing strategies
• The treatment is based on NIMH-funded research and is empirically supported

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is known to affect some 2.3 percent of Americans-about 3.5 million individuals. Research indicates that behavior therapy is among the strongest techniques for managing the disorder. Unfortunately, the exposure techniques used in behavior therapy for OCD are considered too frightening for many sufferers. Although they desperately need help, as many as 25 percent of individuals with OCD refuse behavior therapy out of fear.

This book offers a new treatment approach to OCD that avoids exposure techniques. Based on research funded by the National Institutes for Health, it presents for the first time a purely cognitive approach to treating OCD. Not only will these techniques open up psychotherapy to those OCD sufferers who resist exposure-based therapy, but it also shows great promise for those who struggle concurrently with depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.

Two noted psychologists offer therapists the first purely cognitive treatment method for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which has been proven effective for people with pure obsessions, harming, religious, and sexual obsessions, as well as checking and mental rituals.

Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D., is assistant professor of psychology at the Harvard Medical School and director of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic and clinical director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinic, both at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA.

Gail S. Steketee, Ph.D., is professor in and co-chair of the Department of Clinical Practice at the School of Social Work at Boston University. She is master lecturer on cognitive techniques for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at the New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists. She lives in Boston, MA.