The Principles of Extinction and Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors in the Intensive Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Primarily Obsessional Pediatric OCD

Abstract

This case study describes the application of intensive cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), focusing on extinction and differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO), in an adolescent girl with primarily obsessional obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). “Abby,” a 13-year-old, Caucasian female, showed meaningful changes in OCD symptomatology during five consecutive sessions of intensive treatment. Abby’s mother also reported dramatic improvements in Abby’s functioning and in the mother-child relationship. Improvements continued to be reported by Abby and her mother and observed by therapists during follow-up sessions. The results of this case study provide preliminary support that intensive CBT incorporating extinction, cognitive restructuring skills, and DRO may be an effective treatment for pediatric OCD.