Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a variant of traditional exposures wherein exposures target specific obsessions and repetitive compulsions. The child is exposed to a stimulus that triggers anxiety and intrusive thoughts and is helped to resist performing the compulsions meant to relieve the anxiety. Exposures often proceed in a progressive hierarchical gradient but a range of exposure duration and intensity can be successful.