INTEGRATING COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY AND MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES IN TREATING ADOLESCENT OCD WITH COMORBID MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: A CASE REPORT"

Abstract

Adolescents with co-occurring Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) face significant challenges, including impaired social, academic, and emotional functioning. This paper explores an integrated treatment approach that combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques to address the complex symptoms of both disorders. CBT, the gold standard for OCD and MDD, focuses on altering maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviours through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and cognitive restructuring for MDD. Mindfulness techniques enhance this approach by promoting emotional regulation and reducing rumination, anxiety, and compulsive behaviours. Family involvement is also critical in supporting the adolescent's therapeutic progress.