psychological treatment for ocd: cognitive behavioural therapy Flashcards
(17 cards)
1
Q
what is the first recommended treatment for ocd?
A
- cbt is usually the first treatment used
- recommended by nice (national institute for health and care excellence)
- used for most uk cases with moderate severity
2
Q
what are key features of cbt for ocd?
A
- goal orientated
- short term (about 3 months)
- recommended for moderate cases
3
Q
what are the two components of cbt for ocd?
A
- cognitive component: changes thought processes
- behavioural component: changes actions/behaviours
4
Q
what is the aim of cbt for ocd?
A
- not to remove intrusive thoughts
- to change the beliefs that trigger anxiety
5
Q
how does cbt begin for ocd treatment?
A
- starts gradually with least anxiety-provoking thoughts
- client tests beliefs to reduce anxiety
6
Q
what is catastrophising in ocd?
A
- predicting a negative outcome
- concluding that the outcome would be a catastrophe
7
Q
how does cbt address catastrophising in ocd?
A
- tests beliefs to reduce exaggerated fears
- example: belief about contamination and its transmission
- reduces ritualized behaviours like washing
8
Q
what is habituation training in cbt for ocd?
A
- client repeatedly thinks about obsessive thoughts
- goal: make obsessions less anxiety-provoking
- reduces need for compulsive behaviour
9
Q
what is the evidence supporting cbt for ocd?
A
- endorsed by nice as first-choice treatment
- effective in reducing symptoms
10
Q
what are the benefits of cbt over drug treatment?
A
- no side effects (unlike drugs)
- lower relapse rates when discontinued
11
Q
what makes cbt flexible and cost-effective?
A
- can be applied online or in group therapy
- therapist monitors worksheets and activity plans
- improves symptoms in over 50% of cases
- cost-effective and time-limited
- more effective when combined with drugs
12
Q
why is cbt considered ethical for ocd?
A
- empowers patients with techniques they can use independently
13
Q
what did the pots study find about cbt for ocd?
A
- cbt is effective compared to a placebo
- sertraline is also effective
- the most effective treatment is combining cbt and sertraline
14
Q
why is cbt considered a limited treatment for ocd?
A
- it should ideally be combined with other therapies (like drugs)
15
Q
what are the challenges in evaluating the effectiveness of cbt?
A
- hard to separate the effects of cognitive and behavioural components
- up to 44% of clients only have obsessional symptoms
16
Q
how does comorbid depression affect cbt for ocd?
A
- 75% of ocd clients also have depression
- depression can reduce the effectiveness of cbt
- persistent depression symptoms predict relapse
- combined cognitive therapy and drug treatment might work better
17
Q
how effective is cbt for ocd?
A
- about 70% of people respond well to cbt
- still many who find it ineffective
- therapy needs to be tailored to individual needs
