Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 8th edition - Macmillan ….pptVIP

When a neutralizing action reduces anxiety, it is reinforced Client becomes more convinced that the thoughts are dangerous As fear of thoughts increases, the number of thoughts increases Family pedigree studies provided the earliest clues that OCD may be linked in part to biological factors Studies of twins found a 53% concordance rate in identical twins, versus 23% in fraternal twins OCD: The Cognitive Perspective To avoid such negative outcomes, they attempt to “neutralize” their thoughts with actions (or other thoughts) OCD: The Cognitive Perspective If everyone has intrusive thoughts, why do only some people develop OCD? People with OCD tend to: Be more depressed than others Have exceptionally high standards of conduct and morality Believe thoughts are equal to actions and are capable of bringing harm Believe that they can, and should, have perfect control over their thoughts and behaviors OCD: The Cognitive Perspective Cognitive therapists focus on the cognitive processes that help to produce and maintain obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts May include: Psychoeducation Guiding the client to identify, challenge, and change distorted cognitions OCD: The Cognitive Perspective Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Research suggests that a combination of the cognitive and behavioral models is often more effective than either intervention alone These treatments typically include psychoeducation as well as exposure and response prevention exercises OCD: The Biological Perspective Two recent lines of research provide more direct evidence: Abnormal serotonin activity Evidence that serotonin-based antidepressants reduce OCD symptoms; recent studies have suggested other neurotransmitters also may play important roles Abnormal brain structure and functioning OCD linked to orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nuclei Frontal cortex and caudate nuclei compose brain circuit that converts sensory information into thoughts and actions Either area may be too active, letting throug