Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating disorder that is often associated with onset in adolescence and young adulthood. Cognitive behaviour therapy, primarily exposure and response prevention (ERP), is the treatment of choice in the psychological management of OCD. The chapter attempts to provide basic psychoeducation regarding the nature, course, causes, and manifestation of OCD. The different subtypes along with phenomenology are highlighted. Using a case vignette, the various types of assessment and evaluation in clinical settings are enumerated. An introduction to CBT and ERP is given; this is followed by a detailed session-wise module of how to carry out ERP. Techniques are highlighted using a case vignette and possible barriers to treatment as well as tips to increase effectiveness of ERP are discussed.