Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD: What is it and why do we use it?
Exposure and Response Prevention or “ERP,” is the frontline treatment for all subtypes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and for a good reason. It’s an evidence-based treatment, which basically means there has been tons of research and testing done that yields high results for symptom reduction and long-term management of OCD. In order to understand the benefits of ERP, it’s important to understand the OCD cycle and how symptoms of the condition are maintained. First it’s important to note that OCD is a highly heritable condition, meaning that genetics plays a large role in the onset of OCD symptoms. Those that are wired for OCD struggle with unwanted and sometimes disturbing thoughts, feelings, images, and/or sensations that cause significant and recurrent distress, and are difficult to pivot away from or control. Some obsessions are focused on possible bad things happening in the future or are just unpleasant and uncomfortable to be...