Client-therapist cooperation in the treatment of compulsive handwashing behavior

While success rates with obsessive-compulsive disorders have improved greatly, debate continues regarding the effective components of behavioral intervention. The present study uses techniques of a jointly designed behavioral contract, active modeling and response discrimination and delay to treat compulsive handwashing. The number of handwashings and time spent at each washing was reduced and the time between handwashings was increased. Obsessive-compulsive clients may respond more successfully to techniques that emphasize self-control, self-definition of appropriateness and client participation in treatment planning.