Language

English

Publication Date

5-1-2025

Journal

Behavior Therapy

DOI

10.1016/j.beth.2024.09.003

PMID

40287177

PMCID

PMC12033389

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

5-1-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share overlapping features for which similar cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) strategies can be employed. However, the comorbid presence of these conditions poses unique clinical considerations, and a nuanced approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment is needed when working with individuals with co-occurring OCD and PTSD. Treatment providers may not be aware of these nuances and may hold misconceptions about co-occurring OCD and PTSD, impacting their approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment. The current study sought to examine possible misconceptions among mental health treatment providers of differing specializations. Among 146 primarily CBT-oriented treatment providers (20.3% generalist, 13.0% PTSD specialist, 32.6% OCD specialist, and 34.1% OCD/PTSD specialist), exploratory factor analysis categorized misconceptions relating to Trepidation, Differential Diagnosis, Flexibility, OCD is Trauma, Trauma Misconceptions, and Compartmentalization. Overall, OCD specialists endorsed misconceptions most frequently, including those of Trepidation and underestimating the prevalence of trauma and PTSD in individuals with OCD. In contrast, PTSD specialists were more likely to endorse providing patients reassurance for their OCD-related fears, and OCD/PTSD providers were more likely to apply rigid Differential Diagnosis criteria not supported by research or diagnostic criteria to intrusive thoughts and safety behaviors. Misconceptions are explained through the lens of differing conceptualization and treatment approaches between areas of specialization.

Keywords

Humans, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Female, Male, Adult, Health Personnel, Middle Aged, Attitude of Health Personnel, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, treatment providers, misconceptions

Published Open-Access

yes

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