Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Real-time fMRI Biofeedback Targeting the Orbitofrontal Cortex for Contamination Anxiety
Published on: January 20, 2012
Neutralizing increases discomfort associated with obsessional thoughts: an experimental study with obsessional
P M Salkovskis1, S J Thorpe, K Wahl
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, England. p.salkovskis@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Cognitive-behavioral theories suggest that the development of neutralizing is crucial in the development and persistence of obsessional problems (OCD). Twenty-nine patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnosis of OCD were randomly allocated to 2 conditions. Both listened to repeated recorded presentations of their intrusive thoughts and either neutralized (experimental group) or distracted themselves (control). Discomfort was rated during this 1st phase and then during a 2nd phase without neutralizing or distraction. The experimental group showed a similar level of discomfort in the 1st phase, which significantly reduced during the period compared with controls. The experimental group experienced significantly more discomfort during the 2nd phase, and significantly stronger urges to neutralize and distract at the end of this phase than controls.
More Related Videos
09:14Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
11:17Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Published on: November 25, 2025
Related Concept Videos
The Placebo Effect
Blind Procedures
Blinding
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...