Inference-Based Cognitive Therapy Versus Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

ERP is a treatment developed to help people confront their fears based on the rationale that exposure to feared objects, activities, or situations in a safe environment helps reduce fear and decrease avoidance. During the treatment, participants will engage in these exposures to feared stimuli within and between sessions according to hierarchies developed during the initial evaluation sessions, and refrain from engaging in compulsive behaviour until their anxiety subsides (i.e. ritual prevention). Exercises will consist of both exposure in vivo (i.e. exposure in real life situations) and/or imaginal exposure according to recommendations.

The treatment primarily targets the dysfunctional reasoning that gives rise to obsessional doubts and overvalued ideas. IBCT does not include exposure in vivo, but instead, aims to bring resolution to the initial obsessional doubt or overvalued idea by showing the participant that the obsession is the result of incorrect reasoning.