What is the primary treatment modality for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is recognized as the primary treatment modality for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This approach is specifically designed to help individuals confront and gradually reduce their fear of the thoughts and situations that trigger their compulsions. During exposure and response prevention, patients are systematically exposed to the sources of their anxiety while being guided to refrain from performing their usual compulsive behaviors. This method leads to a decrease in the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts and allows individuals to learn that their fears can be managed without resorting to compulsive actions.

CBT is effective because it not only addresses the symptoms of OCD but also helps patients develop coping strategies and challenge distorted beliefs related to their obsessions. The structured nature of this therapy, along with the emphasis on active participation, makes it a preferred choice for managing OCD.

Other treatment modalities, while they may provide some support or relief, do not have the same level of efficacy for OCD as ERP does. For example, psychodynamic therapy primarily focuses on unconscious processes and past experiences, which may not effectively address the behavioral components of OCD. Medication management, including the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be helpful but is