An Alternative Treatment for Fear
Author:
Jonathan S. Abramowitz - Department of Psychiatry and Psychology,
Mayo Clinic
Arthur C. Houts - Department of Psychology, University of
Memphis
Author
Note:
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed
to Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry
and Psychology, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905; E-mail:
abramowitz.jonathan@mayo.edu.
Abstract:
A "spectrum" of disorders thought be related to obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) and representing a wide range of psychiatric
conditions has been identified. Inclusion of disorders in
the proposed "OCD spectrum" appears to be based chiefly on
the presence of repetitive thoughts or behaviors. Advocates
of the OCD spectrum concept argue that each of these disorders
results from similar neurobiological deficits, possesses similar
associated features, and responds preferentially to antiobsessional
medication and behavior therapy. In this article we critically
review the arguments for a spectrum of OCD-related disorders.
Despite superficial topographical similarities (e.g., repetitive
behaviors), behavioral analyses and research findings suggest
that very few of the putative spectrum disorders are related
to OCD. In addition, arguments that OCD spectrum disorders
each respond preferentially to similar medications and behavior
therapies are (a) unsupported by research data or clinical
experience and (b) indicative of confusion concerning behavioral
therapy procedures. We conclude that the OCD spectrum concept
is not particularly useful, and may even undermine efforts
to understand and treat OCD.
