Effective psychological therapy forOCDstresses changes in behavior and/or thoughts, sometimes referred to as cognitions.
When appropriate, behavioral and cognitive therapy for OCD can be combined with medications for the best result.
This exposure provides you with an opportunity to gain new information in hopes of disconfirming your worst fears.
Alain SHRODER / ONOKY / Getty Images
How Long Does It Take?
ERP usually involves 15 to 20 exposure sessions that last about 90 minutes.
This illogical thought pattern is often calledmagical thinking.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Also, cognitive therapy often integrates elements of behavior therapy.
How Long Does It Take?
In controlled research studies, behavioral and cognitive therapy seem to be equally effective.
However, in practice, they are often combined for maximum effect.
This is referred to ascognitive-behavior therapy.
This will help to form a full picture of what you require to move forward and progress.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Find out which option is the best for you.
So far, studies suggest that the answer is yes.
However, it is still a good option for those who live quite a distance from a good therapist.
Foa EB.Cognitive behavioral therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.
2010;12(2):199-207.
Abramowitz JS, McKay D, Storch EA.The Wiley Handbook of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.Wiley.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies Published 1993-2014Clinical Psychology Review.