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Review
. 2022 Mar;53(2):153-169.
doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.11.001. Epub 2021 Nov 13.

Call to Action: Recommendations for Justice-Based Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Sexual Orientation and Gender Themes

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Review

Call to Action: Recommendations for Justice-Based Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Sexual Orientation and Gender Themes

Caitlin M Pinciotti et al. Behav Ther. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Gender and sexual minorities are subjected to minority stress in the form of discrimination and violence that leads to vigilance; identity concealment and discomfort; and internalized homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. These experiences are related to increased susceptibility to mental health concerns in this population. Historically, the behavioral treatment of sexual orientation (SO) and gender-themed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has inadvertently reinforced anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) stigma and contributed to minority stress in clients, treatment providers, and society at large. We present updated recommendations for treatment of SO- and gender-themed OCD through a more equitable, justice-based lens, primarily through eliminating exposures that contribute to minority stress and replacing them with psychoeducation about LGBTQ+ identities, and exposures to neutral and positive stimuli, uncertainty, and core fears. We also present recommendations for equitable research on SO- and gender-themed OCD.

Keywords: LGBTQ+; SO-OCD; exposure and ritual prevention; obsessive-compulsive disorder; treatment recommendations.

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