Exposure Therapy

Chapter 31 Exposure Therapy Shannon M. Blakey, Shannon M. BlakeySearch for more papers by this authorLillian Reuman, Lillian ReumanSearch for more papers by this authorRyan J. Jacoby, Ryan J. JacobySearch for more papers by this authorJonathan S. Abramowitz, Jonathan S. AbramowitzSearch for more papers by this author Shannon M. Blakey, Shannon M. BlakeySearch for more papers by this authorLillian Reuman, Lillian ReumanSearch for more papers by this authorRyan J. Jacoby, Ryan J. JacobySearch for more papers by this authorJonathan S. Abramowitz, Jonathan S. AbramowitzSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Jonathan S. AbramowitzSearch for more papers by this authorDean McKay, Dean McKaySearch for more papers by this authorEric A. Storch, Eric A. StorchSearch for more papers by this author First published: 19 June 2017 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118890233.ch31Citations: 2 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Summary Translational research has been key in developing the most effective psychosocial treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - exposure and response prevention (ERP) - which, broadly speaking, entails the guided, systematic, repeated confrontation with situations and stimuli that trigger obsessional fear. This chapter discusses the mechanisms by which ERP is thought to exert its effects on OCD symptoms, provides an overview of the procedures involved in implementing ERP, reviews the treatment outcome literature for this intervention, and describes various obstacles to successful treatment. Emotional processing theory (EPT) has traditionally been the dominant theoretical model for explaining how ERP works. Upon completing a functional assessment to determine the client's fear triggers, cognitive basis for the obsessional fear, and safety behaviors the therapist begins intervening with psychoeducation about OCD and the rationale for ERP. ERP has demonstrated consistent efficacy and effectiveness in treatment outcome studies; consequently, it is considered the first-line psychological treatment for OCD. Citing Literature The Wiley Handbook of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders RelatedInformation