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Enhancing exposure and response prevention for OCD: a couple-based approach
Jonathan S Abramowitz1, Donald H Baucom, Michael G Wheaton
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. jabramowitz@unc.edu
Behavior Modification
|May 24, 2012
Summary
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but a new couple-based therapy enhances ERP by addressing relationship dynamics that maintain symptoms and impede treatment progress.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Individual exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a cornerstone treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- However, treatment efficacy varies, with some patients experiencing suboptimal responses or relapse upon discontinuation.
- Interpersonal factors and relationship dynamics can significantly influence OCD symptom presentation and treatment outcomes.
Observation:
- OCD symptoms often involve and impact interpersonal relationships.
- Maladaptive relationship patterns, such as symptom accommodation, can inadvertently maintain OCD.
- Existing ERP protocols may not fully address these relational dynamics.
Findings:
- A novel couple-based treatment program has been developed to augment individual ERP for OCD.
- This integrated approach includes psychoeducation, partner-assisted exposure, and interventions targeting relationship patterns.
- Couple therapy components address maladaptive dynamics like symptom accommodation, enhancing treatment for individuals in long-term relationships.
Implications:
- Couple-based interventions may improve ERP effectiveness and reduce relapse rates in OCD.
- Addressing interpersonal factors offers a more comprehensive treatment strategy for OCD.
- This model provides a framework for integrating relational therapy with exposure-based treatments for OCD.
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