As you may know, A&E launched a reality show called Obsessed which examines the real-life struggles of people with anxiety disorders including OCD. Modeled after the network’s popular show Intervention, this program follows people as they undergo cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) to reduce and/or manage their OCD symptoms.
In June 2009, I corresponded by email with Obsessed’s Dr. Shana Doronn, a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and California and a doctor of psychology, about the basics of psychological treatment for OCD and some practical tips for getting the most of out treatment. Doronn worked as a psychologist at the UCLA, OCD Intensive Treatment program for over 5 years. She has trained under renowned treatment providers. Doronn currently maintains a practice in Barrington, Illinois, where she specializes in the treatment of OCD and other anxiety disorders with an emphasis on exposure-response prevention (ERP).
When discussing the psychological treatment of OCD, CBT and ERP often come up simultaneously. Are CBT and ERP the same thing?
ERP is not the same thing as CBT. Many therapies are under the umbrella of CBT. ERP is a specific type of behavior therapy used in treating anxiety disorders such as OCD. ERP is exposing someone to that which they fear and not allowing them to engage in the desired behavior/compulsion. As a result, they are left to feel the anxiety and “sit with it” until the anxiety comes down by 50%.
How do you decide which form of treatment to use?
When someone is acutely ill and the compulsions are to the point that someone can’t engage in talk therapy, there is no choice but to engage in ERP (usually in conjunction with medications). Talk therapy or insight does not lead to behavioral change. Practicing via ERP is the only way to change. This is not to say talk therapy is irrelevant -- I believe there is a place for it once the client is able to function in a healthier manner. At that time, I engage in cognitive restructuring. In less severe cases, there is more time for talk therapy but the bottom line is that exposure therapy is what helps someone eliminate their compulsions.
What is the average success rate for treatment of OCD symptoms with CBT?
The success rate is very good; however, it depends on a number of factors including co-morbid conditions, properly executed treatment, client determination and ability to tolerate anxiety. When working at UCLA in the intensive out-patient treatment, the goal was to reduce symptoms by 50%. The program views treatment as a beginning and follow up with a therapist who specializes in OCD as necessary to maintain gains and further reduce symptoms. If a patient does not continue with treatment, after the program there is a high likelihood of relapse. There is no cure but there is effective treatment.
Although we know that psychotherapy is effective in treatment OCD, it doesn’t work for everyone. What do you think is the most important factor in determining whether CBT will be helpful for someone with OCD?
Client motivation is crucial and absolutely necessary. Families will bring their loved one into care, but if the patient does not want the treatment, it won’t work.
People with OCD understandably want relief from their symptoms. How many CBT sessions are usually needed to get good results and how long do these results last?
The number of sessions is really determined by the severity of the illness. For mild OCD, 5 sessions on an out-patient basis can work. Mild to moderate OCD 10 to 15 session and if someone’s symptoms are more severe, I would recommend an intensive treatment program or meeting several times a week. The results last as long as the patient continues to practice at home. As patients improve and become fairly independent, I cut back on sessions and see how they do.
How similar is the therapy we see conducted on Obsessed to what you
would do in your everyday practice?
What you see on TV is exactly what I do in my private practice. What you don’t necessarily see are all the exposures leading up to the “BIG” one. I use a hierarchy of symptoms and don’t start with the most difficult exposure. I love doing home visits and have always done them long before I participated in the show. I never need to make up an exposure as life happens and before you know it an exposure has been created.
OCD is often considered a chronic illness that requires on-going treatment. What advice do you have for people who may have recently completed
CBT for OCD? How do they build on, and maintain the gains they've made
while in therapy?
Practice, practice, practice! Do not stop exposure therapy! In time the exposure will feel a bit more natural. You want to stay on top of your game! Practice exposures and practice living and enjoying life. OCD tends to rob people of their humanity and they forget how to live, thus the need to practice living.
Many people with OCD are unable to work and are concerned about
their finances. How much does CBT therapy usually cost? If people can't
afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with psychotherapy, what
options are available?
Sadly, treatment can be very expensive and not all clinicians take insurance. I must admit that insurance companies don’t pay very well and getting reimbursed is a pain beyond belief. Personally, I would rather do a sliding scale and not turn people away. For a true expert in OCD the price ranges from $120 to $300 per hour (at least in Los Angeles). I live in Illinois and the range is a bit different. Treatment programs can cost $20,000 if insurance doesn’t pay. I do know that the many intensive programs such as UCLA’s OCD Intensive Treatment Program take many different types of insurance.
