Don has a cleanliness obsession which revolves around a fear of dirt, germs, and other unclean things. His compulsion involves handwashing. If he believes he has touched something unclean, he will wash his hands until they are raw. In treatment for his disorder, Don is asked to touch all of the doorknobs in his therapist's office building, and is then told he cannot wash his hands. He and the therapist then sit together while Don tries to relax and overcome his feelings of extreme discomfort. This treatment:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The treatment described is an example of exposure therapy, which is a well-established and effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By repeatedly exposing Don to the object of his fear (doorknobs), but preventing him from engaging in his compulsive behavior (handwashing), the therapist is helping Don to learn that his fear of contamination is not necessarily accurate or logical. Over time, this can help to reduce Don's overall anxiety and feelings of discomfort. Research has shown that exposure therapy is often more effective than medication for treating OCD.

Don Has a Cleanliness Obsession Which Revolves Around a Fear