American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

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What is the primary goal of exposure with response prevention in OCD treatment?

Enhance emotional support
Encourage medication adherence
Expose patients to their obsessions
Analyze the patient's childhood experiences

The correct answer is: Expose patients to their obsessions

The primary goal of exposure with response prevention (ERP) in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is indeed to expose patients to their obsessions. This therapeutic approach works by systematically confronting the fears associated with the obsessions in a controlled environment. When patients face their intrusive thoughts, images, or situations that trigger anxiety (the exposure), they are then guided to refrain from engaging in compulsive behaviors (the response prevention) that they typically use to alleviate anxiety. This method helps decrease the power and hold that the obsessions have on the patient over time. By continuously facing their fears without resorting to compulsive actions, patients learn that their anxiety diminishes naturally, thereby breaking the cycle of OCD. The focus is primarily on reducing anxiety and ritualistic behaviors, leading to improved functioning and quality of life. Other options, such as enhancing emotional support, encouraging medication adherence, or analyzing childhood experiences, do not directly relate to the specific mechanics of ERP. While these elements can play supportive roles in a comprehensive treatment plan, they are not the central focus of exposure with response prevention itself.