Category:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Abramowitz

By: Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD

Course Description

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 highly practical treatment manual packed with helpful clinical pearls, therapist-patient dialogues, 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.

About Authors

Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, is Associate Professor and director of the OCD/Anxiety Disorders Program at the Mayo Clinic. He has written or edited four books and over 75 research articles and book chapters on OCD and other anxiety disorders. For his contributions to the field, Dr. Abromowitz has received awards from the American Psychological Association and the Mayo Clinic

Learning Objectives

1. State the basis for CBT in OCD.
2. Describe safety-seeking behaviors in maintaining OCD.
3. Describe how OCD symptoms develop.
4. State when fear reduction is most complete and durable.
5. Describe conflict resolution when the patient argues.

Course Contents

  1. Description
    1. Terminology
    2. Definition
      1. Insight
    3. Epidemiology
    4. Course and Prognosis
    5. Differential Diagnoses
      1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
      2. Depression
      3. Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome (TS)
      4. Delusional Disorders (e.g., Schizophrenia)
      5. Impulse Control Disorders
      6. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
      7. Hypochondriasis
      8. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
    6. Comorbidities
    7. Diagnostic Procedures and Documentation
      1. Structured Diagnostic Interviews
      2. Semi-Structured Symptom Interviews
      3. Self-Report Inventories
      4. Documenting Changes in Symptom Levels
  2. Theories and Models
    1. Neuropsychiatric Theories
      1. Neurochemical Theories
      2. Neuroanatomical Theories
    2. Psychological Theories
      1. Learning Theory
      2. Cognitive Deficit Models
      3. Contemporary Cognitive-Behavioral Models
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment Indications
    1. Form Versus Function
    2. The Diagnostic Assessment
    3. Identifying the Appropriate Treatment
      1. Empirically Supported Treatments for OCD
    4. Factors that Influence Treatment Decisions
      1. Age
      2. Gender
      3. Race
      4. Educational Level
      5. Patient Preference
      6. Social Support
      7. Clinical Presentation
      8. OCD Symptom Theme
      9. Insight
      10. Comorbidity
      11. Treatment History
    5. Presenting the Recommendation for CBT
  4. Treatment
    1. Methods of Treatment
      1. Functional Assessment
      2. Self-Monitoring
      3. Psychoeducation
      4. Using Cognitive Therapy Techniques
      5. Planning for Exposure and Response Prevention
      6. Implementing Exposure and Response Prevention
      7. Ending Treatment
    2. Mechanism of Action
    3. Efficacy and Prognosis
    4. Variations and Combinations of Methods
      1. Variants of CBT Treatment Procedures
      2. Combining Medication and CBT
    5. Problems in Carrying out the Treatment
      1. Negative Reactions to the CBT Model
      2. Nonadherence
      3. Arguments
      4. Therapist’s Inclination to Challenge the Obsession
      5. When Cognitive Interventions Become Rituals
      6. Unbearable Anxiety Levels During Exposure
      7. Absence of Anxiety During Exposure
      8. Therapist Discomfort with Conducting Exposure Exercises
  5. Case Vignettes
  6. Further Reading
  7. References
  8. Appendix: Tools and Resources

Customer Comments

“I love your courses & your tests are to the point! Works for my busy schedule!

– L.M., LVN, CA

“Well written and easy to understand. The test questions follow along with the course content. Gained much knowledge on ADHD.” 

– V.W., RN, CA