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.

scholarly journals Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-346 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Current Article

A large amount of research has accumulated on the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobia. The purpose of the current article is to provide an overview of two of the most commonly used CBT methods used to treat anxiety disorders (exposure and cognitive therapy) and to summarize and discuss the current empirical research regarding the usefulness of these techniques for each anxiety disorder. Additionally, we discuss the difficulties that arise when comparing active CBT treatments, and we suggest directions for future research. Overall, CBT appears to be both efficacious and effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but dismantling studies are needed to determine which specific treatment components lead to beneficial outcomes and which patients are most likely to benefit from these treatment components.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document