Review of Psychotherapeutic Approaches for OCD and Related Disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can take many forms, limited only by the imagination of the human mind. Advances in research surrounding OCD have established that efficacious treatments, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), do exist. Even though ERP should provide the foundation for OCD treatment, ERP can be perceived as a highly aversive treatment, as evidenced by high drop-out and relapse rates (Abramowitz, Can J Psychiatr 51:407–416, 2006). As a result, research has started to examine other empirically supported strategies that may improve treatment outcome and reduce risk of future relapse. Building upon the foundations of ERP, these strategies may lead to more personalized treatment programs, particularly for complex or difficult-to-treat cases. Specifically, emerging research regarding the role of inhibitory learning in exposure therapy may be an important area in which to enhance the robustness of treatment gains. Further, advancements in technology have provided new pathways to disseminate personalized and targeted treatments, particularly for individuals who lack access to in-person treatment. In light of these exciting new ways to conceptualize, implement, and disseminate empirically based treatments, continued focus on bridging the gap between emerging science and clinical practice is necessary as the landscape of OCD treatment changes. © 2015, Springer International Publishing AG.