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The role of between-session homework in cognitive-behavioral therapy for comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and
Molly J Church1, Katie H Mangen1, Jordan T Stiede1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Objective:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which includes a decided emphasis on exposure and response/ritual prevention (ERP) and between-session practice of treatment principles, has consistently demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is a gold standard, recommended first-line treatment. CBT with ERP has been successfully adapted to fit the needs of autistic individuals with OCD. The present article provides a brief overview of CBT for OCD and outlines special considerations and adaptations needed when working with patients with OCD and comorbid autism, with an emphasis on the importance of between-session homework.
Method:
A case vignette is presented.
Results:
This case study illustrates the role of homework in the exposure-based treatment of an adult autistic individual with comorbid OCD.
Conclusion:
Implications of this case vignette are discussed, and recommendations are offered for clinicians working with autistic individuals with OCD, especially in regard to bolstering completion of between-session ERP homework.
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