ERP: Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD

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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a behavioural treatment for individuals diagnosed with OCD and is typically conducted by a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist. Dr. Martinez has over 25 years of experience directing clients in this process. Clients meet weekly to learn about the science and neurobiology behind their symptoms and are trained in how to conduct ERP at home, school and in the community with or without family support based on the recommendation of Dr. Martinez. At the start clients confront items and situations that cause mild-moderate anxiety or discomfort they believe they can tolerate. After doing this for a period clients discover their anxiety/discomfort does not climb as high nor lasts as long, allowing them to proceed to harder and more challenging exposure exercises. Medication is also considered an effective treatment for OCD and about 70% of people will benefit from ERP and/or medication for their OCD.
 
 
Is PANDAS/PANS the same as OCD?
There is a rare type of OCD that occurs in childhood following the immune system’s overreaction to an infection such as strep throat, causing sudden onset (seemingly overnight) OCD symptoms. This type of OCD is called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS) if it is a strep infection, or Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) if it is any other infection. Children with PANDAS/PANS should still receive ERP from a licensed mental health professional, but they may also need antibiotic treatment from their pediatrician.
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