Behavior Therapy for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Demonstrates the author's approach to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Because this approach assumes that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) derives from an underlying core fear, treatment involves exposing the client to fear-producing stimuli and teaching blocking of compulsive behaviors.

---

In "Behavior Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder", Dr. Samuel M. Turner demonstrates his approach to treating this form of anxiety disorder. Because this approach assumes that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) derives from an underlying core fear, treatment involves exposing the client to fear-producing stimuli and teaching blocking of compulsive behaviors. The therapist takes an active role in encouraging and directing the client in efforts to prevent habitual obsessive responses to fear. In this session, Dr. Turner works with a 32-year-old woman whose obsessive-compulsive disorder takes the form of obsessive washing and avoidance behavior. Dr. Turner helps her to dismantle her fear of contamination with exercises that expose her to her core fear. This video features a client portrayed by an actor on the basis of actual case material. The behavioral treatment of OCD involves prolonged exposure to fear-producing stimuli and the active blocking of associated compulsive behaviors. Exposure, in this context, refers to treatment that involves confrontation with fear-producing stimuli.
The various strategies used to engineer such exposure reflect different theoretical notions regarding the nature of fear reduction. The goal of exposure treatment is the elimination of maladaptive anxiety, intrusive obsessional thoughts, and associated ritualistic behaviors.