Values-Focused Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Comorbid Schizophrenia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Case of "Mr. H"

Authors

  • Ashleigh Golden
  • Robert M. Holaway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14713/pcsp.v9i1.1805

Keywords:

obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), paranoid schizophrenia, delusion, comorbidity, case study, clinical case study

Abstract

We describe a subgroup of individuals with comorbid diagnoses of paranoid schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive (OCD) disorder.  It is proposed that traditional exposure and response prevention (ERP) may need to be altered given the unique characteristics of this subgroup.  We suggest that providers may approach treatment for OCD from within the context of a patient’s delusion.  The case study of "Mr. H," a veteran of the U.S. military diagnosed with schizophrenia and OCD, is described.  We propose that attenuating or eliminating obsessions and compulsions may not result in the achievement of a goal stemming from a delusional belief, but may contribute to an increased sense of mastery and independence.

Author Biography

Ashleigh Golden

Aan Fishman, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief, Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy Professor of Clinical and Organizational Psychology Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Rutgers University Mailing address: 57 Jaffray Court Irvington, NY 10533 914-693-8549 fax: 603-917-2567 email: dfish96198@aol.com

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Published

2013-02-17

Issue

Section

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Complex Contexts