Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, can be a debilitating mental health disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes OCD as a condition leading to “uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions), and behaviors (compulsions).” These obsessions and compulsions can turn everyday actions – touching a doorknob or walking down a certain sidewalk, for example – into terrifying hurdles. While OCD is an incredibly challenging condition, there are a variety of proven treatments for OCD sufferers, including something known as “exposure therapy.” Read on to find out more about exposure therapy for OCD.
The American Psychological Association (APA) explains that exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that was developed “to help people confront their fears.” These fears often manifest in OCD sufferers, leading the individual to avoid certain objects, activities, or situations. The fear-inducing situations, or triggers, can include everything from riding a public elevator to saying a certain phrase aloud. Unfortunately, avoiding triggers isn’t a good long-term solution, as it can “build up” certain situations over time and make them even more terrifying for the individual. Exposure therapy helps break that pattern of avoidance by “exposing” individuals to certain feared objects or situations in a safe environment.
Exposure therapy for OCD is actually a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. Specifically, this type of CBT is known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). First, ERP involves “exposing” the patient to fear-inducing situations, thoughts, images, objects, or situations; then, after the exposure, the “response prevention” part kicks in. The goal of ERP is to prevent a compulsive behavior – performing a complex series of doorknob touches, for example – even after the obsession has been triggered. When the individual can control their compulsive behavior in the face of triggers, they have achieved what is known as “habituation.”
Beyond OCD, an OCD-focused nonprofit, explains the powerful impact of habituation. According to Beyond OCD, habituation is a normal, natural process that occurs all around us. For example, when you stay in a chilly swimming pool for a few minutes, you might find that the water feels warmer. The water’s temperature hasn’t changed – you’ve just habituated to the water. For another example, think of a dog with a fear of sirens. After living in a city environment for an extended period of time, the dog may grow accustomed to the sound of sirens. ERP works similarly. Individuals undergoing ERP confront their anxiety triggers head-on, while also working to reduce their compulsive responses. The result is an eventual drop in anxiety level; in other words, the trigger doesn’t seem so terrifying. After continued exposure to a trigger, individuals will likely grow more habituated to the situation, which helps reduce compulsive responses over time.
Exposure therapy can be intimidating. After all, individuals with OCD often have strong negative associations and fears that can feel paralyzing. Before an OCD patient can undergo exposure therapy, they have to come to terms with the idea of facing those fears head-on. However, ERP typically only involves short-term discomfort, and ERP sessions are closely monitored and regulated by a behavioral health professional. Over time, individuals undergoing ERP will feel significantly reduced anxiety around their triggers, allowing them to lead healthier, more confident lives.
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Exposure therapy for OCD is one of the most powerful treatments used by today’s behavioral health experts. While this type of treatment can involve short-term discomfort, it is safe, studied, and proven to improve OCD symptoms over time.
Reed Behavioral Health offers highly individualized solutions for individuals and families who have been impacted by behavioral health problems, including eating disorders. Our approach is different. It starts with a comprehensive and individualized assessment process so we can determine how to best help you. For more information, please call us at 763-577-2489, email us at info@reedhealthcare.org, or send us a message online. We look forward to working with you!
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