Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) consists of a synthesis of elaborate thoughts and actions that cause distress on an individual (Abramowitz & Jacoby, 2014). OCD, per the DSM-5, consists of obsessions and compulsions that take up over one hour per day or significantly distressing to the individual. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). OCD has the capacity to impact 1- 3% of the total population (Boeding et al.; National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). What constitutes an obsession or a compulsion? When does it become distressing? Obsessions can be thought of as unwanted and intrusive thoughts that are distressing (Abramowitz & Jacoby, 2014). These thoughts can consist of ideas, images, urges that are distressing to the client
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However, OCD is still considered one of the ten most debilitating disorders out there (Ost, Riise, Wergeland, Hansen & Kvale, 2016). Treatments that have been effective in treating the distress of OCD has been mostly within either the cognitive behavioral therapy modality or the pharmacological modality. ERP was shown to reduce OCD symptoms up to 48% with relapse rates being low (Wilhelm, Tolin & Steketee, 2004). Pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to be effective treatments for OCD (Fineberg et al., 2015). Even further research has shown that the best course of treatment for OCD was a combination of CBT with ERP and SSRIs (Wilhelm et al., 2004; Hood, Alderton & Castle, 2001). However, with this type of treatment, though effective, may not encounter all situations where OCD may be present. When considering reasons why relapse may occur, relationships that are an integral part of the OCD client’s life may help or impede progress. Relationships can play a factor in creating, maintenance and treatment of anxiety disorders such as OCD (Priest, 2013). By highlighting family factors that either contribute or intensify OCD symptoms in clients, and considering couples and family therapy and the proposed efficacy rates, looking at a systemic way of therapeutic measures should be considered as valid
However, OCD is still considered one of the ten most debilitating disorders out there (Ost, Riise, Wergeland, Hansen & Kvale, 2016). Treatments that have been effective in treating the distress of OCD has been mostly within either the cognitive behavioral therapy modality or the pharmacological modality. ERP was shown to reduce OCD symptoms up to 48% with relapse rates being low (Wilhelm, Tolin & Steketee, 2004). Pharmaceuticals such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to be effective treatments for OCD (Fineberg et al., 2015). Even further research has shown that the best course of treatment for OCD was a combination of CBT with ERP and SSRIs (Wilhelm et al., 2004; Hood, Alderton & Castle, 2001). However, with this type of treatment, though effective, may not encounter all situations where OCD may be present. When considering reasons why relapse may occur, relationships that are an integral part of the OCD client’s life may help or impede progress. Relationships can play a factor in creating, maintenance and treatment of anxiety disorders such as OCD (Priest, 2013). By highlighting family factors that either contribute or intensify OCD symptoms in clients, and considering couples and family therapy and the proposed efficacy rates, looking at a systemic way of therapeutic measures should be considered as valid