Dual focus treatment; OCD and PTSD

C Paula Krentzel, PhD

Jennifer Tattersall, LCSW

90 minute presentation

Abstract

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a promising form of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Talbot, 2021). EMDR has been identified as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD with concurrent empirical research findings. The prevalence rates of OCD onset following potentially traumatic exposure ranges from 30% to 82% (Cromer, et al., 2007). This is for both natural disasters and human generated trauma.

Clients who are diagnosed with OCD often have a comorbid trauma diagnosis, it is essential that clinicians understand OCD and PTSD symptomatology as well as the difference in their presentations. Both OCD and PTSD symptomatology include the urge to reduce anxiety and to increase a sense of safety.  Symptoms overlap however they are different in functionality.  In addition, intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors are present with both diagnoses. Studies suggest that as PTSD symptoms decrease, OCD symptoms increase as treatment progresses. The reverse also occurs, there can be a decrease in PTSD symptoms with an increase in OCD symptomatology.

This presentation will identify the most common symptom dimensions of OCD; the aggressive dimension, sexual-religious dimension, the contamination-cleaning dimension as well as the newer dimensions of health concern, relational, and meta-OCD. The presentation offers a comprehensive interview questionnaire that can be used during the assessment phase.  The questionnaire will help delineate if PTSD is exacerbating OCD symptomology or vice versa. In addition, case conceptualization with concurrent treatment of OCD and PTSD will be discussed. Participants will complete the training with new skills to discern the complex factors in dual focus treatment.