This post first appeared on my blog in December 2013….
Until recently I had never heard the term “flooding” in reference to obsessive-compulsive disorder, but over the past couple of months I’ve connected with three parents of children with OCD who have dealt with this technique.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with flooding as it relates to OCD, it involves the use of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. But instead of those with OCD creating a hierarchy and then working with their therapists to determine which exposures should be tackled first (also known as graduated exposures), they are “flooded” with the exposures that cause them the most fear and anxiety – the ones at the top of their hierarchy. As with any exposure, they need to remain in the situation, refraining from compulsions, until the anxiety subsides. To clarify the difference between flooding and graduated exposures, the analogy of going for a swim is often used. If you jump right into the icy cold water, you feel the shock of the cold, though you will eventually acclimate. This is comparable to flooding. Entering the water slowly, perhaps dipping your toes first and then dabbing your arms, is similar to a graduated exposure. There is less shock to the body and it is likely more tolerable.
Back to the parents I mentioned. In each case, their young adult children experienced flooding while attending residential treatment programs for OCD. None of the parents felt it was helpful, and at least two are convinced this treatment backfired, and their children regressed. This is not surprising to me. Whereas graduated exposures afford those with OCD a measure of control over their treatment, flooding does not. And exposing someone with OCD to their worst fears immediately? At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I think it borders on being inhumane.
So why was flooding used in these cases? As far as I know, the only reason is that because health insurance coverage limited the length of time their children could stay in the program, there was only enough time to use flooding, not graduated exposures.
There is so much wrong with this picture. Unless I am missing something, flooding does not appear to be in the best interest of those with OCD who have bravely reached out for proper treatment. And certainly not being allotted enough time by insurance companies to get the help they deserve is also not in the best interests of anyone – except the insurance companies. Frustrating to say the least. We still have so much work to do in the fight against OCD.
ocdtalk 
This is a really interesting post, we have been offered flooding as a therapy for our son. He has PANS and PANDAS, so OCD rules our home. We have been wondering if flooding could work, but I too think it’s rather cruel. Your post is helpful to read and I’d like to find out more about the effects and outcomes of flooding therapy particularly in children. Thank you.
Glad you found the post helpful and I think you’re doing the right thing in learning as much as possible about whatever types of treatments are offered for your son. Good luck as you move forward!
Flooding sounds awful and it sadly figures insurance would encourage it. I couldn’t look at my face for almost a year due to OCD. Thankfully I can afford a private therapist and was instead allowed to work out some underlying issues which allowed me to go back to being able to look at my face in small doses that I control. I’m sorry we have such a flawed system.
Yes, I’m sorry too E. I’m glad you’ve been able to get some help and hope things continue to improve for you.
This was used decades ago but cause way more harm than good.
Thanks for commenting Anthony. I agree that the risks typically outweigh the benefits when it comes to flooding. Unfortunately it is still sometimes used today – probably not as much as in the past, but it is not unheard of.
Thank you for this post
I agree about the potential harm with flooding and especially about insurance companies not allowing enough time for treatment
My son is now 19
He was in a residential treatment center twice while under the age of 18
Total time .. seven and a half months
He left treatment each time due to insurance denial
He was involved in a “modified” flooding experience at the end of his second stay. I witnessed this. I still have flashbacks to this experience which leave me paralyzed with fear.
I can’t imagine the effects for him
I think the hospital was trying to indicate to the insurance company a “quantifiable “ level of progress
Prayers to all who battle OCD
Thank you for sharing, Z, and I am so sorry you and your son had that horrible experience. It’s just not right. I hope your son is doing well now.