5. Psychological Therapy

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as the most effective psychological treatment for OCD, focusing in particular on: (i) how CBT differs from other forms of talking therapy; (ii) how it can help those suffering from OCD by enabling them to identify and challenge their intrusive thoughts; (iii) how exposure, e.g. preventing an individual with an obsessive fear of being burgled from checking their locks, is an important tool for treating those suffering from OCD, whilst noting that this may not be an appropriate form of treatment in every case.

Course

In this course, Dr Emma Sharpe (University of Derby) explores obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition characterised by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. In the first lecture, we think about how OCD can be defined and diagnosed. In the second lecture, we explore the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of the condition. In the third lecture, we examine the biological causes of OCD, looking in particular at genetic and neural explanations. Next, we think about how OCD can be treated, looking specifically at drug treatments. In the fifth lecture, we look at some key psychological treatments. In the sixth and final module, we conclude on some of the key points of discussion from the course.

Lecturer

Emma Sharpe graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Loughborough University in 2011. Following this, she went on to complete both an MRes in 2012 and PhD in 2015. She joined the University of Derby as a lecturer in October 2015, having previously worked as a University Teacher at Loughborough University.