Author Description

This cognitive-behavioral program for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has as its foundation the use of ritual prevention, and prolonged actual and imaginal exposure exercises. Therapists will learn the best methods for assessing OCD and formulating a treatment program tailored to their client's particular OCD symptoms. Sample lists of exposure items are provided for fear of contamination, fear of supernatural harm, and fear of causing harm to others by acts of negligence.Sample exposure plans are also provided for washers, checkers, and hoarders. A Monitoring Forms Package is available so the client can increase self-awareness of ritualistic behavior and the circumstances that evoke that behavior.The Therapist Guide is designed to help mental health professionals assess and treat OCD. It is divided into three sections:o Methods of assessing OCDo Efficacy of available treatments and how to arrive at treatment recommendationso A guide to cognitive-behavioral treatment by exposure and ritual preventionAdditional chapters provide information on relapse prevention, dealing with obstacles to progress, and modifications for children and clients with mental retardation.