Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is the preferred treatment for OCD according to current guidelines?

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

2. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

3. Medication alone

4. Deep brain stimulation

The correct answer is: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

The preferred treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) according to current guidelines is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This combination has shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that specifically targets the thought patterns and behaviors associated with OCD. It helps individuals confront their obsessions and teaches skills to manage compulsions. This therapeutic approach is often considered first-line due to its effectiveness and the lasting benefits it can provide, helping patients not only reduce symptoms in the short term but also maintain improvements in the long run. While electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be beneficial for severe cases of depression, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for OCD. ECT is generally reserved for treatment-resistant depression and certain other severe psychiatric conditions. Medication alone, while helpful, is usually enhanced by the addition of therapy to address the behavioral aspects of the disorder. Deep brain stimulation is a more invasive treatment option and is typically reserved for severe, treatment-resistant cases of OCD when other interventions have not been effective. The comprehensive approach of combining cognitive behavioral therapy with SSRIs stands out as the most effective