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Treatment of Monozygotic Twins with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Using Cognitive Therapy and Exposure with Ritual Prevention

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2009

Michael P. Twohig*
Affiliation:
Utah State University, Logan, USA
Maureen L. Whittal
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia and UBC Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
Katherine A. Peterson
Affiliation:
Utah State University, Logan, USA
*
Reprint requests to Michael P. Twohig, Utah State University, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA. E-mail: michael.twohig@usu.edu An extended version of the measures section, description of participants, and treatment procedures is available in the table of contents for this issue: http://journals.cambridge.org/jid_BCP or from the authors.

Abstract

Background: Assessment and treatment of cohabiting monozygotic (MZ) twins with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a possible challenge for clinical psychologists. Aims: This study aims to present a detailed history of two sets of cohabiting MZ twins with OCD, and describe the adaption of cognitive behavior therapy in their treatments. Method: Two sets of cohabiting MZ twins completed a structured intake and the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale as well as measures of depression, anxiety, a measure of obsessive beliefs, and thought action fusion. One set received cognitive behavior therapy and exposure with ritual prevention (ERP) simultaneously and the other received ERP separately. Pre-, post-treatment and follow-up assessments occurred for both sets of twins. Results: All four individuals showed notable decreases in OCD, and results were maintained for three of the four participants at follow-up points. Conclusions: This study highlights the developmental course of OCD that can occur in cohabiting twins, and the clinical adaption that may be necessary.

Type
Brief Clinical Reports
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2009

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