Additive and Alternative Approaches to Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordana Muroff ◽  
Abigail Ross ◽  
Joseph Rothfarb
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Specific Alternative ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy are “gold standard” treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), complementary and alternative treatments are frequently sought for anxiety disorders. The purpose of this chapter is to review and discuss the available research on the application, efficacy and effectiveness of complementary and alternative methods for treating OCD. The first section identifies and reviews studies focusing on specific alternative and complementary treatments that are independent from, or work in conjunction with CBT, such as yoga, herbal remedies, motivational strategies, and bibliotherapy. The second section discusses alternative and complementary methods of more mainstream CBT and related techniques, with a particular focus on technology-supported approaches. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the methodological issues in the existing research on complementary and alternative methods in the treatment of OCD, questions for future research, and implications for providers.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Challenges in Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-173
Author(s):  
Michael G. Wheaton
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Treatment Techniques

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). CBT offers specific interventions with demonstrated efficacy, including both cognitive therapy and exposure and ritual prevention (ERP). Yet, implementing these techniques with individual patients can present clinical challenges. In this special issue, expert clinicians and researchers present cases in which they addressed some common challenges in implementing CBT for OCD, including comorbid depression, poor insight, and family accommodation of symptoms in pediatric OCD. Other papers present how CBT can be tailored to specific OCD manifestations, including post-partum OCD, taboo thoughts, and relationship OCD. Other authors detail how they have augmented standard ERP with additional treatment techniques to maximize outcomes. These articles present a diverse set of case histories and specific treatment techniques that illustrate ways to maximize the effectiveness of CBT for OCD, serving as a useful guide for clinicians in practice and highlighting areas for future research.

Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Co-Occurring Depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Wheaton ◽  
Epifania Rita Gallina
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comorbid Depression ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
The Impact

Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) also experience co-occurring depression, which may complicate OCD treatment. Some data suggest that OCD patients with comorbid depression experience less improvement with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the recommended psychotherapy for OCD. In particular, depression may interfere with an individual's adherence to the tasks of CBT, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP). However, successful interventions exist for depression within CBT, including both cognitive therapy and behavioral activation, which can be added in treating OCD patients with depression. This article reviews the literature on the impact of comorbid depression on OCD treatment and then describes the treatment of an adult with both conditions. This case history demonstrates how depression-specific interventions can be incorporated into standard ERP to maximize OCD treatment gains. We also review important practice points for treating clinicians and areas for future research.

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