Breaking the Cycle

Though OCD can be very impairing, it responds well to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure-response prevention (ERP or Ex/RP), a type of CBT, is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD and is more effective than medication. ERP is a specialized treatment and should be delivered by a provider with proper training and experience.

The basic tenants of treatment involve gradually confronting anxiety provoking situations for prolonged periods of time without performing compulsions. With practice over time, a person is able to sit with the anxiety and experience a reduction in distress without compulsions. Through these experiences, individuals learn several important things. They learn that compulsions are not actually keeping them safe and that the anxiety is not dangerous and can go away on its own. Treatment is meant to be time-limited, with most people acquiring the necessary skills in about 16-24 sessions, depending on severity, intensity of treatment schedule, and patient involvement.