Article: Ineffective and Potentially Harmful Psychological Interventions for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Article | Recommended Reading | Lifespan

Treatment Modalities

Reviews psychological treatments that lack adequate evidence for OCD or may actually worsen symptoms. Examples include thought-stopping and relaxation-based approaches. The article explains why inappropriate treatment can reinforce compulsions, increase intrusive thoughts, delay effective care, or undermine hope. It emphasizes the importance of receiving specialized, evidence-based OCD treatment, particularly ERP.