Dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) is generally used for borderline personality disorder, but in recent years, it has made its way to the OCD treatment option scene.
Although Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the traditional treatment for OCD patients, DBT’s prioritization of emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance offers additional benefits.
Here, we define DBT and OCD, how the former works for the latter, and different techniques.
After learning more about DBT for OCD, you might even find that it might be a good fit for your treatment needs.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where you have obsessions (persistent, unwanted thoughts, images or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors you do to reduce anxiety).
OCD gets in the way of daily life function and makes everyday tasks overwhelming.
Common OCD symptoms:
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Excessive need for order or symmetry
- Repeated checking (e.g. locks, appliances)
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images
- Compulsive counting or repeating words
- Ritualistic behaviors to reduce anxiety
These symptoms create a cycle of distress and temporary relief.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based therapy that helps you manage intense emotions and build better relationships.
Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness DBT for OCD focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
Four Core Components of DBT:
- Mindfulness: Being present
- Distress Tolerance: Dealing with challenges while not making things worse
- Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing emotions
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building relationships and setting boundaries
These skills help you cope better with challenges.
Best DBT Techniques for OCD Symptoms
DBT has tools to deal with intrusive thoughts and reduce compulsions.
The best Dialectical Behavior Therapy OCD techniques are:
- Mindfulness Exercises: Focus on the moment to reduce obsessive thoughts.
- Distress Tolerance Skills: Use deep breathing or grounding when anxiety hits.
- Opposite Action: Do the opposite of the urge to do the compulsion and break the OCD cycle.
- Emotional Regulation Practices: Manage emotions to reduce obsession intensity.
These practices work best alongside traditional OCD treatments.
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How is DBT different from traditional OCD treatments?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) target the symptoms of OCD, and DBT targets emotional regulation and mindfulness.
ERP reduces compulsive behaviors through exposure; CBT addresses thought patterns.
DBT adds tools to manage emotional distress, so it’s a great addition to traditional OCD treatments.
Evidence and Studies for DBT for OCD
Research supports DBT as an adjunct to traditional OCD treatment options.
A 2014 study found that adding mindfulness based cognitive therapy to standard OCD treatments improved emotional regulation and reduced symptoms.1
A 2018 study also found that mindfulness-based therapies can enhance outcomes by addressing emotional dysregulation.2
So, DBT’s mindfulness and emotional regulation are helpful when added to ERP or CBT.
Quick Tip: Practice Mindfulness Daily for OCD Management
Practice mindfulness daily to manage OCD. A few minutes of mindful breathing or grounding exercises can reduce obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
Limitations of DBT and OCD
While DBT is helpful, it’s not a primary treatment for OCD.
ERP and CBT are the most effective for core OCD symptoms.
DBT is an extra approach to help with emotional distress from OCD.
According to the International OCD Foundation, ERP is the gold standard for OCD; DBT is a bonus.3
Is DBT Right for You?
DBT adds emotional regulation and mindfulness tools to traditional OCD treatments.
It’s not a standalone solution, but it helps with the distress of OCD symptoms.
A therapist can help you figure out if DBT is right for your treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DBT be used as the main treatment for OCD?
DBT is used as an extra therapy for OCD but not as the main treatment. Standard treatments like ERP and CBT are more effective for directly addressing OCD symptoms, DBT helps with emotional distress and anxiety, it’s an added support for people with OCD.
What DBT skills are most helpful for OCD?
Mindfulness, distress tolerance, and opposite action are the most helpful DBT skills for OCD. These skills help you manage obsessive thoughts, resist compulsions, and reduce anxiety, so DBT is an added support to traditional OCD treatments.
How is DBT different from CBT for OCD?
DBT is about mindfulness and emotional regulation, CBT is about thought patterns and behaviors. For OCD, CBT and ERP techniques help with compulsions; DBT emotional support helps you manage the anxiety that comes with obsessive thoughts. Together they are a full package.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where you have intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that interfere with your daily life.
- DBT is a skills based therapy about mindfulness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- DBT can complement traditional OCD treatments by offering emotional support.
- Mindfulness, distress tolerance and opposite action in DBT can help with OCD symptoms.
- Finding a DBT therapist experienced in OCD can be helpful for a full treatment.
Explore DBT as a Treatment Option for OCD
DBT’s mindfulness and emotional regulation tools add to traditional OCD treatments.
If you’re looking for treatment options, Cornerstone Healing Center offers individualized care for your needs, including specialized treatment for OCD.
We take multiple types of insurance that might cover this.
You can verify your insurance coverage and Contact Cornerstone Healing Center today to take the first step toward lasting change.
