Targeting the function of inner experiences in obsessive compulsive and related disorders

• Effective treatments for OCD exist but they are not effective for all.
• Newer versions of cognitive behavior therapy focus on the function of inner experiences over form or content.
• There is preliminary evidence for these treatments.
• More research needs to be done in this area.

Current versions of cognitive behavior therapy have been shown to be effective for obsessive compulsive and related disorders. Recently there has been an increased shift toward targeting the function of inner experiences (e.g. obsessions, urges to hair pull) over their form or content. A handful of treatments target the function of inner experiences to such a large extent that they might be considered a shift. This paper reviews these treatments and their supporting data in the treatment of obsessive compulsive and related disorders.