Freedom Versus Functioning as the Goal of OCD Treatment: Reframing Exposure and Response Prevention and Its Use to Help Patients Overcome Their OCD Diagnosis

Needs Statement

Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and healthcare professionals in related disciplines need to receive regular updates on advances in neuroscience, psychiatric research, psychotherapy, and the evolving best practices for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders. The series aims to improve clinical practice through critical appraisal of psychiatric research, the use of evidence-based treatment approaches, and the integration of multiple treatment modalities to enhance the quality of psychiatric care and improve patient outcomes.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the session, the participants should be able to:

• Differentiate exposure and response prevention (ERP) models based on fear extinction versus approaching and targeting core fears to achieve optimal change.
• Apply advanced ERP strategies, including inhibitory learning and core fear work, to increase treatment efficacy and reduce relapse.
• Identify common misconceptions and pitfalls in ERP delivery (e.g., “fear factor” exposures, hidden rituals, thought suppression) that inadvertently reinforce obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Utilize freedom-focused language and communication strategies that support patient autonomy, treatment engagement, and long-term recovery.
• Demonstrate greater understanding of common differentials for OCD and comorbidities and recognize when and why ERP may not be effective.

Target Audience

Activity Evaluation

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

Educational Methods

• Lectures
• Case Presentations
• Literature Review
• Panel Discussion

Accreditation/Credit Designation

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Baylor College of Medicine designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Social Work: The Baylor College of Medicine Division of Continuing Professional Development (License Number 7270) is an approved continuing education provider for Social Workers through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. This activity has been approved for 1.0 continuing education unit.

Term of Approval

April 1, 2026 through April 30, 2028. Original release date: April 1, 2026.

Disclosure Policy

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. BCM is committed to sponsoring CE activities that are scientifically based, accurate, current, and objectively presented.

In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support, BCM has implemented a mechanism requiring everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity (i.e., directors, planning committee members, faculty) to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests (drug/device companies) and manage/resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the activity. Individuals must disclose to participants the existence or non-existence of financial relationships at the time of the activity or within 24 months prior.

In addition, BCM has requested activity faculty/presenters to disclose to participants any unlabeled use or investigational use of pharmaceutical/device products; to use scientific or generic names (not trade names) in referring to products; and, if necessary to use a trade name, to use the names of similar products or those within a class. Faculty/presenters have also been requested to adhere to the ACCME's validation of clinical content statements.

BCM does not view the existence of financial relationships with commercial interests as implying bias or decreasing the value of a presentation. It is up to participants to determine whether the relationships influence the activity faculty with regard to exposition or conclusions. If at any time during this activity you feel that there has been commercial/promotional bias, notify the Activity Director or Activity Coordinator. Please answer the questions about balance and objectivity in the activity evaluation candidly.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.