Treating trauma-driven OCD with narrative exposure therapy alongside cognitive behavioural therapy

Abstract When post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-occurs with obsessive compulsive (OCD), symptoms of the former can interfere evidence-based treatment latter. As a result, exposure-based treatments are recommended for both OCD and PTSD, potentially facilitating concurrent approach. This case study describes application cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT including exposure response prevention; ERP) narrative to treat patient whose PTSD intrusive images memories hyperarousal were interfering standard CBT (including OCD. Following this approach, patient’s reduced non-clinical levels showed reliable improvement in symptoms. Whilst further methodologically robust research is required, highlights that approach may be beneficial where impacting on treatment. Key learning aims (1) To explore literature considering explanations co-occurrence symptomology. (2) consider how two mental health conditions maintain one another attenuate effectiveness other condition. (3) Consider use therapeutic approaches co-occurring conditions.