Interoceptive Exposure: An Overlooked Modality in the Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of OCD

Accumulated research implicates anxiety sensitivity (AS) as a transdiagnostic construct important to the maintenance of OCD. Yet despite the clinical implications of targeting fears of body-related sensations during treatment, interoceptive exposure (IE) is an often-overlooked therapeutic procedure in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of OCD. In this article, we discuss the rationale for—and procedures of—addressing AS during treatment for OCD. We provide two case examples, illustrating how a clinician might approach clinical assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning with each of these patients. We conclude by discussing future research directions to better understand if (and how) targeting AS during therapy might enhance OCD treatment outcome.