Psychological treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder

NICE guidelines recommend psychological treatment (cognitive–behavioural therapy, involving major elements of exposure and response prevention) as the first-line treatment for obsessive compulsive–disorder (OCD). In this contribution, the theory and practice of integrated cognitive–behavioural therapy is described. The use of normalizing strategies and re-appraisal of beliefs motivating compulsive behaviour are emphasized as ways of enabling patients to choose to change. Developments in terms of dissemination and delivery are considered.