Methods for Managing Intrusive Thoughts
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 2/2/2018 |
| Start Date: | September 22, 2015 |
| End Date: | October 4, 2016 |
A Translational Study of the Mechanisms of Exposure Therapy for Obsessions: Gradual vs. Variable Exposure Intensity
The current study sought to translate laboratory research on learning and memory to better
understand the mechanisms and methods for implementing exposure therapy for unwanted
obsessional thoughts. Specifically, we compared the processes and the short- and long-term
outcomes of: (a) gradual exposure (EXP-G), emphasizing hierarchical exposure completion,
versus (b) variable exposure (EXP-V), emphasizing variability in exposure intensity.
understand the mechanisms and methods for implementing exposure therapy for unwanted
obsessional thoughts. Specifically, we compared the processes and the short- and long-term
outcomes of: (a) gradual exposure (EXP-G), emphasizing hierarchical exposure completion,
versus (b) variable exposure (EXP-V), emphasizing variability in exposure intensity.
Although preliminary research suggests that learning to tolerate varying levels of fear
during exposure enhances outcomes for some anxiety-related problems, no previous study has
examined this possibility in the context of unwanted obsessions. Adults with a moderately
distressing obsessional thought were randomly assigned to four twice-weekly sessions of
either: (a) gradual exposure (EXP-G), emphasizing hierarchical exposure completion, or (b)
variable exposure (EXP-V), emphasizing variability in exposure intensity.
during exposure enhances outcomes for some anxiety-related problems, no previous study has
examined this possibility in the context of unwanted obsessions. Adults with a moderately
distressing obsessional thought were randomly assigned to four twice-weekly sessions of
either: (a) gradual exposure (EXP-G), emphasizing hierarchical exposure completion, or (b)
variable exposure (EXP-V), emphasizing variability in exposure intensity.
Inclusion Criteria:
- At least 18 years old
- Willing to attend and audiotape all study sessions
- Fluent in English
- Presence of one or more obsessional thoughts that cause marked distress
- If on a psychiatric medication (e.g., SSRI), willing to remain at a fixed dose while
participating in the study (and stabilized on medication for 30 days before beginning
the intervention).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety
- Current suicidal ideation
- Current substance use disorder
- Current mania or psychosis
- Currently taking an anxiolytic (e.g., Ativan) or stimulant (e.g., Ritalin) medication
- Heart, respiratory, or neurological condition
- Current pregnancy
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