Family-Based Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study

J Cogn Psychother. 2024 Nov 11;38(4):310-332. doi: 10.1891/JCP-2023-0013.

Abstract

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects approximately .25%-3% of children, and if left untreated, can cause significant impairment for the child and family. Cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for pediatric OCD. When using ERP with children and adolescents, it is essential to assess and target family factors in treatment in order to help the youth make therapeutic progress. The following case study illustrates the successful implementation of family-based ERP in a young female with contamination OCD. It further highlights strategies for targeting family accommodation and family conflict within the course of treatment.

Keywords: child and adolescent anxiety; cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure therapy (with response prevention); obsessive–compulsive disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Family Conflict
  • Family Therapy* / methods
  • Humans
  • Implosive Therapy* / methods
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder* / prevention & control
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder* / therapy