Defined
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? The standard bench mark in the field of psychology for defining and assigning psychological conditions is massive text called the DSM-V, so we will begin there. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (300.3):
Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both...
The obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming (e.g., take more than 1 hour per day) or cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning....
The obsessive-compulsive symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition...
The …show more content…
CBT involves approaching behavioral change more from a thought process angle - therapy in re-thinking the patient 's interpretation of the issue and how to change that perception , and consequently the reaction. ERP therapy involves strategic exposures to stimuli that would bring about anxiety and compulsive behavior for the patient combined with a delay or modification of the patient 's normal, ritual of response. Basically, the aim is a desensitization process, or at least rise in tolerance levels for the individual. This form of therapy is frequently carried out under the supervision and care of a psychologist, psychiatrist or other therapist. "From a theoretical perspective, it is possible that the reason both ERP and CBT are efficacious and specific in the treatment of OCD is because both address the same maintaining factors, such as maladaptive beliefs (e.g., inflated responsibility), neutralizing strategies (e.g., reassurance seeking and rituals), and avoidance" (PONNIAH, Dr., D. Clin. Psy. 207–218). Many patients find a marked improvement in the success of CBT when they combine it with therapeutic counseling and/or anti-anxiety medication, also normally while under the care of a psychologist, psychiatrist or other