Application of Relaxation Training and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Case Presentation

• Main Authors: F. Elif Erguney Okumus, H. Ozlem Sertel Berk, Basak Yucel
• Format: Article
• Language: Turkish
• Published: Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies 2019-04-01
• Series: Bilişsel Davranışçı Psikoterapi Araştırmalar Dergisi
• Subjects: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Cognitive Behavior Therapy; Relaxation Training
• Online Access: http://www.ejmanager.com/fulltextpdf.php?mno=10756

Introduction: Psychopharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are commonly used in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) although the use of relaxation training as a separate protocol for enhancing treatment motivation is not very common. This case report focuses the application of CBT with the combination of relaxation training and low-doze psychofarmacotherapy with an OCD patient. Case: The patient was in her forties and she had ten years history of OCD, whose basic obsessions were about contamination, suspiciousness and observance to specific rules. She performed compulsions to neutralize the anxiety which were created by her obsessions. Psychopharmacotherapy as an outpatient was the primer choice of treatment, although doze increment was not possible due to serious side effects. Therefore, a combined treatment model was planned. The first phase of the treatment was conducted as a 6-session relaxation training and psychoeducation right after 2 sessions of psychological assessment and case formulation. Then 12 sessions of CBT model was conducted that include cognitive restructuring, exposure, response prevention, social skills training and imaginary techniques. The patient sustained in remission in the follow-up sessions after the treatment had ended. Results: It is assumed that the combination of relaxation training for enhancing motivation with CBT through case formulation is a contributive component of treatment in OCD. [JCBPR 2019; 8(1.000): 63-68]