Based on decades of scientific research and clinical refinement, cognitive-behavioral therapy using the techniques of exposure and response prevention has helped countless individuals with OCD overcome debilitating symptoms and live fuller, more satisfying lives. From leading expert Jonathan S. Abramowitz, this volume opens with an overview of the diagnosis and assessment of OCD and delineates a research-based conceptual framework for understanding the development, maintenance, and treatment of obsessions and compulsions. The core of the book is a highly practical treatment manual packed with helpful clinical pearls, therapist-patient dialogs, illustrative case vignettes, and sample forms and handouts. Readers are equipped with skills for tailoring exposure and response prevention techniques for patients with different types of OCD symptoms, including washing, checking, ordering, obsessions, and mental rituals. The book, which also addresses common obstacles in treating individuals with OCD, represents an essential resource for anyone providing services for individuals with anxiety disorders. --- from the publisher Reviews: "Dr. Abramowitz has done a remarkable job in taking difficult to understand concepts and making them easy to grasp. This is the most practical, user-friendly guide to date. It is a quick, but informative read by one of the premier thought leaders in the field of OCD. This is a must read for clinicians and students alike, and will be required reading for our staff and trainees." -- Bradley C. Riemann, PhD "...short and easy to read...very helpful for both beginning therapists and therapists interested in reviewing a detailed background and description of OCD. The book gives a concise but thorough overview of current theories and models of intervention, diagnosis and treatment indications, current methods of treatment options, case examples, and suggested handouts and treatment forms ...gives an excellent review of theories and models of how OCD is learned or biochemically based... Overall, this book is short and to the point. Clinicians should find this a helpful guide to the treatment of OCD. It can also be used as a refresher on an evidence-based intervention in the treatment of OCD." -- Jeff Baker in PsycCRITIQUES June 7, 2006 Vol. 51 (23), Article 2 Clinical Director, OCD Center at Rogers Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc, WI "Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz is one of the world's leading experts on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and has cumulated years of hands-on experience. In this very readable treatment program, he makes these strategies and his experience available to the therapist. Anyone treating patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder will want to have this resource." -- David H. Barlow, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Research Professor of Psychiatry, Director, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University "This book does a fine job of combining cognitive and behavioral interventions into an integrated program of therapy. Dr. Abramowitz’ detailed attention to symptom subtypes is especially useful for therapists learning to apply CBT to the many varieties of obsessions and compulsions. The highlighting of clinical pearls, vignettes, and therapeutic dialog is particularly helpful and makes this manual very user-friendly." -- Gail Steketee, PhD,
Professor, Boston University School of Social Work Table of Contents: 1. Description of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
1.1. Terminology
1.2. Definition
1.2.1 Insight
1.3. Epidemiology
1.4. Course and Prognosis
1.5. Differential Diagnosis
1.5.1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder
1.5.2 Depression
1.5.3 Tics and Tourette's Syndrome
1.5.4 Delusional Disorders
1.5.5 Impulse Control Disorders
1.5.6 Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
1.5.7 Hypochondriasis
1.5.8 Body Dysmorphic Disorder
1.6. Comorbidities
1.7. Diagnostic Procedures and Documentation
1.7.1 Structured Diagnostic Interview
1.7.2 Semi-Structured Symptom Interviews
1.7.3 Self-Report Inventories
1.7.4 Documenting Change in Symptom Levels 2. Theories and Models of OCD
2.1 Neuropsychiatric Theories
2.1.1 Neurochemical Theories
2.1.2 Neuroanatomical Theories
2.2 Psychological Theories
2.2.1 Learning Theory
2.2.2 Cognitive Deficit Models
2.2.3 Contemporary Cognitive-behavioral Models 3. Diagnosis and Treatment Indications
3.1 Form Versus Function
3.2 The Diagnostic Assessment
3.3 Identifying the Appropriate Treatment
3.3.1 Empirically Supported Treatments for OCD
3.4 Factors that Influence Treatment Decisions
3.4.1 Age
3.4.2 Gender
3.4.3 Race
3.4.4 Educational Level
3.4.5 Patient Preference
3.4.6 Social Support
3.4.7 Clinical Presentation
3.4.8 OCD Symptom theme
3.4.9 Insight
3.4.10 Comorbidity
3.4.11 Treatment History
3.5 Presenting the Recommendation for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 4. Treatment
4.1. Methods of Treatment
4.1.1 Functional Assessment
4.1.2 Self-Monitoring
4.1.3 Psychoeducation
4.1.4 Using Cognitive Therapy Techniques
4.1.5 Planning for Exposure and Response Prevention
4.1.6 Implementing Exposure and Response Prevention
4.1.7 Ending Treatment
4.2. Mechanisms of Action
4.3. Efficacy and Prognosis
4.4. Variations and Combinations of Methods
4.4.1 Variants of CBT Treatment Procedures
4.4.2 Combining Medication and CBT
4.5. Problems in Carrying out the Treatments
4.5.1 Negative Reactions to the CBT Model
4.5.2 Nonadherence
4.5.3 Arguments
4.5.4 Therapist's Inclination to Challenge the Obsession
4.5.5 When Cognitive Interventions Become Rituals
4.5.6 Unbearable Anxiety Levels During Exposure
4.5.7 Absence of Anxiety During Exposure
4.5.8 Therapist Discomfort with Conducting Exposure Exercises 5. Case Vignette 6. Further Reading 7. References 8. Appendix: Tools and Resources | 
