Jonathan Abramowitz

Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD
Born (1969-06-11) June 11, 1969
Baltimore, Maryland USA
Nationality United States
Occupation Clinical psychologist, Professor, Researcher, Author
Known for Treatment and study of OCD and anxiety disorders

Jonathan ("Jon") Stuart Abramowitz (born 1969, Baltimore MD) is an American clinical psychologist and Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH).[1] He is an internationally recognized authority on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders whose work is influential and highly cited.[2] He maintains an active research lab and serves as the Director of the UNC-CH Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic. Abramowitz approaches the understanding and treatment of psychological problems from a cognitive-behavioral perspective.

Academic career

Abramowitz earned his B.A. in Psychology from Muhlenberg College in 1991, his M.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University in 1993, and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Memphis in 1998. He completed both a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a staff psychologist and Associate Professor at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) from 2000 until 2006. He moved to North Carolina in the summer of 2006.

Abramowitz's research focuses on the development and evaluation of cognitive-behavioral treatments (CBT) for OCD and other anxiety-related problems, as well as on understanding the nature and psychopathology of these problems. He is the author of approximately 250 publications, including more than 10 books and over 200 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He has also worked extensively as a book and journal editor. Abramowitz has given invited lectures around the world and served in numerous editorial and advisory roles for scientific journals and organizations.

Abramowitz is board certified by the American Board of Behavioral Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina. In his clinical practice, he specializes in providing outpatient consultation and cognitive-behavioral treatment of OCD and other anxiety-related problems.

Research areas and contributions

Abramowitz lecturing in Bergen, Norway

Treatment of OCD and anxiety: A major focus of Abramowitz's research is the treatment of OCD. His work primarily addresses exposure and response prevention (ERP; a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT]) and he has conducted treatment outcome studies and meta-analytic reviews of this therapy.[3][4] He has also investigated factors that predict good and poor outcomes.[5][6]

Abramowitz has helped to develop an OCD treatment program combining ERP with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).[7] He has also helped to develop couple-based ERP programs for OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.[8]

Abramowitz has written about, and is conducting research to better understand, how to enhance the outcome of exposure therapy/ERP by optimizing extinction learning.[9][10] This work is drawn from inhibitory learning models of exposure.

Nature and symptoms of OCD: Abramowitz's research also focuses on trying to understand the complex symptomatology of OCD.[11][12] His work has identified 4 subtypes/dimensions of this disorder that involve somewhat distinct cognitive and behavioral phenomena: (a) contamination, (b) responsibility for harm/mistakes, (c) unacceptable thoughts, and (d) incompleteness/symmetry.[13] He has also contributed to the re-conceptualization of hoarding as separate from OCD.[14]

Abramowitz has argued that OCD symptoms lie on a continuum with normal everyday experiences, and that one’s learning history (and to a lesser extent, their biology) influence the frequency, intensity, and duration of OCD symptoms.[15][16] He has also criticized the DSM-5’s re-classification of OCD as separate from the anxiety disorders and as overlapping with conditions such as Hair Pulling Disorder and Skin Picking Disorder.[17] Abramowitz is generally critical of biomedical models which view problems such as OCD and anxiety as brain diseases or genetic disorders.[18]

Assessment of OCD: Abramowitz led a team of researchers in 2010 that developed the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS), a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure the severity of the four types of OCD symptoms (see above).[11] The DOCS has been translated into multiple languages for use worldwide.[19][20][21][22]

Cognitive-behavioral factors and models of OCD and anxiety: The cognitive-behavioral model is the leading conceptual approach to understanding OCD and anxiety disorders.[23][24] Abramowitz conducts cross-sectional, experimental, and prospective (longitudinal) research that has helped to clarify and advance this conceptual model. His work focuses on cognitive biases such as anxiety sensitivity,[25] thought-action fusion,[26] intolerance of uncertainty,[27] and attentional biases[28] that factor in the persistence of OCD and irrational fear. With his team at UNC, he has developed experimental paradigms for studying thought-action fusion and intolerance of uncertainty.[29][30] His work has also demonstrated that cognitive factors prospectively predict the escalation of intrusive thoughts into obsessions.[31]

Abramowitz also conducts studies on cognitive-behavioral factors in other anxiety and related problems, including health/illness anxiety, shy bladder syndrome, panic disorder, and hoarding.[32][33][34]

Scrupulosity: Abramowitz has conducted studies on, and developed a cognitive-behavioral model of, scrupulosity (religious obsessions and compulsions).[35][36] He also developed the Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity (PIOS) to measure this phenomenon.[37]

Prevention of postpartum OCD: Abramowitz developed and evaluated a prevention program for OCD symptoms in new parents.[38] This work was derived from previous studies led by Abramowitz showing that certain types of cognitive/psychological phenomena (such as the tendency to catastrophically misinterpret unwanted thoughts) predict the development of OCD symptoms in the postpartum.[31] The prevention program, known as "Baby PREP", can be delivered as part of perinatal education classes and was shown to be more effective than a credible placebo control program in preventing OCD symptoms among vulnerable expecting/new parents.[38]

Cross-cultural factors: Abramowitz has conducted research on cultural, religious, and racial differences in the expression of anxiety and OCD symptoms and related phenomena.[39] He is part of a multi-national collaborative effort studying the nature of intrusive obsessional thoughts in cultures and countries around the world.[40][41][42]

Awards, recognition, and leadership

Abramowitz delivers the Presidential Address at the 2015 ABCT Convention

Abramowitz's contributions to the fields of OCD, anxiety disorders, and clinical psychology are recognized by his colleagues, peers, and the media through numerous honors, awards, and appearances. He is a Past President and Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)[43][44] and serves on the International OCD Foundation Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board.[45] He is the recipient of a Muhlenberg College Alumni Achievement Award,[46] the David Shakow Early Career Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Science and Practice of Clinical Psychology (from Division 12 of the American Psychological Association),[47] and the Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology Outstanding Contributions to Research Award.

Abramowitz serves on the Editorial Boards of several scientific journals and as Associate Editor of Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy (2008–present) and Associate Editor of Behaviour Research and Therapy (2006-2015). He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Expertscape ranks him among the top 20 experts on OCD[48] and his ResearchGate score is higher than 97.5% of this site's members.[49]

Abramowitz was invited by colleagues in Norway to help train and supervise 30 OCD treatment teams in that country. The training is part of an initiative funded by the Norwegian government to ensure that all individuals with OCD in Norway have access to effective treatment.[50]

Abramowitz has twice been appointed as Associate Chair of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Psychology and Neuroscience[51]

Abramowitz has made numerous radio and television appearances and his work has been covered by many publications, including the Washington Post, Newsweek, National and Local Public Radio, CNN, Women's Health, Good Housekeeping, and Mayo Clinic Medical Edge.

Personal life

Abramowitz playing guitar with his band

Abramowitz lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys travelling with his family and attending his daughters' sporting events and musical/dance recitals. He is an avid guitarist and enjoys playing and watching music and sports.

Selected works

Selected Books

Selected Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

See also

Abramowitz's laboratory webpage with his full curriculum vita

Abramowitz's personal website

References

  1. ↑ "Core Faculty | Department Of Psychology and Neuroscience". psychology.unc.edu. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  2. ↑ "Jonathan S. Abramowitz - Google Scholar Citations". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  3. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Foa, Edna B.; Franklin, Martin E. "Exposure and ritual prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: Effects of intensive versus twice-weekly sessions.". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 71 (2): 394–398. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.71.2.394.
  4. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S. "Effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A quantitative Review.". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 65 (1): 44–52. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.65.1.44.
  5. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Franklin, Martin E.; Schwartz, Stefanie A.; Furr, Jami M. "Symptom Presentation and Outcome of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 71 (6): 1049–1057. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.71.6.1049.
  6. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Franklin, Martin E.; Street, Gordon P.; Kozak, Michael J.; Foa, Edna B. (2000-01-01). "Effects of comorbid depression on response to treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder". Behavior Therapy. 31 (3): 517–528. doi:10.1016/S0005-7894(00)80028-3.
  7. ↑ Twohig, Michael P.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Bluett, Ellen J.; Fabricant, Laura E.; Jacoby, Ryan J.; Morrison, Kate L.; Reuman, Lillian; Smith, Brooke M. "Exposure therapy for OCD from an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework". Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. 6: 167–173. doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2014.12.007.
  8. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Baucom, Donald H.; Boeding, Sara; Wheaton, Michael G.; Pukay-Martin, Nicole D.; Fabricant, Laura E.; Paprocki, Christine; Fischer, Melanie S. "Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Intimate Relationships: A Pilot Study of Couple-Based Cognitive-Behavior Therapy". Behavior Therapy. 44 (3): 395–407. doi:10.1016/j.beth.2013.02.005.
  9. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Arch, Joanna J. (2014-02-01). "Strategies for Improving Long-Term Outcomes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Insights From Learning Theory". Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. 21 (1): 20–31. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2013.06.004.
  10. ↑ "The practice of exposure therapy%3A Relevance of cognitive-behavioral theory and extinction theory - Google Scholar". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  11. 1 2 Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Deacon, Brett J.; Olatunji, Bunmi O.; Wheaton, Michael G.; Berman, Noah C.; Losardo, Diane; Timpano, Kiara R.; McGrath, Patrick B.; Riemann, Bradley C. "Assessment of obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions: Development and evaluation of the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale.". Psychological Assessment. 22 (1): 180–198. doi:10.1037/a0018260.
  12. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S; Taylor, Steven; McKay, Dean. "Obsessive-compulsive disorder". The Lancet. 374 (9688): 491–499. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(09)60240-3.
  13. ↑ Wheaton, Michael G.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Berman, Noah C.; Riemann, Bradley C.; Hale, Lisa R. (2010-10-01). "The relationship between obsessive beliefs and symptom dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 48 (10): 949–954. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2010.05.027.
  14. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Wheaton, Michael G.; Storch, Eric A. (2008-09-01). "The status of hoarding as a symptom of obsessive–compulsive disorder". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 46 (9): 1026–1033. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2008.05.006.
  15. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S. (2006-01-01). Understanding and Treating Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ISBN 9780805851847.
  16. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Fabricant, Laura E.; Taylor, Steven; Deacon, Brett J.; McKay, Dean; Storch, Eric A. (2014-04-01). "The relevance of analogue studies for understanding obsessions and compulsions". Clinical Psychology Review. 34 (3): 206–217. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2014.01.004.
  17. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Jacoby, Ryan J. (2015-01-01). "Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: A Critical Review of the New Diagnostic Class". Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. 11 (1): 165–186. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032813-153713. PMID 25581239.
  18. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan (October 2015). "The biomedical model: Caveat emptor" (PDF). Past issues of the Behavior Therapist. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  19. ↑ Ólafsson, Ragnar P.; Arngrímsson, Jóhann B.; Árnason, Páll; Kolbeinsson, Þráinn; Emmelkamp, Paul M.G.; Kristjánsson, Árni; Ólason, Daníel Þ. "The Icelandic version of the dimensional obsessive compulsive scale (DOCS) and its relationship with obsessive beliefs". Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. 2 (2): 149–156. doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.02.001.
  20. ↑ López-Solà, Clara; Gutiérrez, Fernando; Alonso, Pino; Rosado, Silvia; Taberner, Joan; Segalàs, Cinto; Real, Eva; Menchón, José Manuel; Fullana, Miquel A. "Spanish version of the Dimensional Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (DOCS): Psychometric properties and relation to obsessive beliefs". Comprehensive Psychiatry. 55 (1): 206–214. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.08.015.
  21. ↑ Melli, Gabriele; Chiorri, Carlo; Bulli, Francesco; Carraresi, Claudia; Stopani, Eleonora; Abramowitz, Jonathan (2014-08-03). "Factor Congruence and Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS) Across Non-Clinical and Clinical Samples". Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment. 37 (2): 329–339. doi:10.1007/s10862-014-9450-1. ISSN 0882-2689.
  22. ↑ Kim, Hae Won; Kang, Jee In; Kim, Seung Jun; Jhung, Kyungun; Kim, Eun Joo; Kim, Se Joo. "A Validation Study of the Korean-Version of the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale". Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association. 52 (3). doi:10.4306/jknpa.2013.52.3.130.
  23. ↑ Salkovskis, Paul M. (1999-07-01). "Understanding and treating obsessive—compulsive disorder". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 37, Supplement 1: S29–S52. doi:10.1016/S0005-7967(99)00049-2.
  24. ↑ Clark, D. M. (1999-07-01). "Anxiety disorders: why they persist and how to treat them". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 37 Suppl 1: S5–27. doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(99)00048-0. ISSN 0005-7967. PMID 10402694.
  25. ↑ Wheaton, Michael G.; Deacon, Brett J.; McGrath, Patrick B.; Berman, Noah C.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S. "Dimensions of anxiety sensitivity in the anxiety disorders: Evaluation of the ASI-3". Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 26 (3): 401–408. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2012.01.002.
  26. ↑ Berman, Noah C.; Wheaton, Michael G.; Fabricant, Laura E.; Jacobson, Spenser R.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S. (2011-10-01). "The effects of familiarity on thought–action fusion". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 49 (10): 695–699. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2011.07.010.
  27. ↑ Jacoby, Ryan J.; Fabricant, Laura E.; Leonard, Rachel C.; Riemann, Bradley C.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S. "Just to be certain: Confirming the factor structure of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder". Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 27 (5): 535–542. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.07.008.
  28. ↑ Jacoby, Ryan J.; Berman, Noah C.; Graziano, Robert; Abramowitz, Jonathan S. (2015-11-01). "Examining Attentional Bias in Scrupulosity: Null Findings From the Dot Probe Paradigm". Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy. 29 (4): 302–314. doi:10.1891/0889-8391.29.4.302.
  29. ↑ Berman, Noah C.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Wheaton, Michael G.; Pardue, Caleb; Fabricant, Laura (2011-05-01). "Evaluation of an In Vivo Measure of Thought–Action Fusion". Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy. 25 (2): 155–164. doi:10.1891/0889-8391.25.2.155.
  30. ↑ Jacoby, Ryan J.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Buck, Benjamin E.; Fabricant, Laura E. "How is the Beads Task related to intolerance of uncertainty in anxiety disorders?". Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 28 (6): 495–503. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.05.005.
  31. 1 2 Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Khandker, Maheruh; Nelson, Christy A.; Deacon, Brett J.; Rygwall, Rebecca (2006-09-01). "The role of cognitive factors in the pathogenesis of obsessive–compulsive symptoms: A prospective study". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 44 (9): 1361–1374. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2005.09.011.
  32. ↑ Blakey, Shannon M.; Reuman, Lillian; Jacoby, Ryan J.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S. (2015-06-19). "Tracing "Fearbola": Psychological Predictors of Anxious Responding to the Threat of Ebola". Cognitive Therapy and Research. 39 (6): 816–825. doi:10.1007/s10608-015-9701-9. ISSN 0147-5916.
  33. ↑ Deacon, Brett J.; Lickel, James J.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; McGrath, Patrick B. (2012-09-01). "Development and Validation of the Shy Bladder Scale". Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. 41 (3): 251–260. doi:10.1080/16506073.2012.658852. ISSN 1650-6073. PMID 22452544.
  34. ↑ Wheaton, Michael G.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Franklin, Joseph C.; Berman, Noah C.; Fabricant, Laura E. (2010-10-16). "Experiential Avoidance and Saving Cognitions in the Prediction of Hoarding Symptoms". Cognitive Therapy and Research. 35 (6): 511–516. doi:10.1007/s10608-010-9338-7. ISSN 0147-5916.
  35. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Jacoby, Ryan J. "Scrupulosity: A cognitive–behavioral analysis and implications for treatment". Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. 3 (2): 140–149. doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.12.007.
  36. ↑ Nelson, Elizabeth A.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Whiteside, Stephen P.; Deacon, Brett J. (2006-01-01). "Scrupulosity in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder: Relationship to clinical and cognitive phenomena". Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 20 (8): 1071–1086. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2006.02.001.
  37. ↑ Abramowitz, Jonathan S; D. Huppert, Jonathan; Cohen, Adam B; Tolin, David F; Cahill, Shawn P (2002-07-01). "Religious obsessions and compulsions in a non-clinical sample: the Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity (PIOS)". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 40 (7): 825–838. doi:10.1016/S0005-7967(01)00070-5.
  38. 1 2 Timpano, Kiara R.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Mahaffey, Brittain L.; Mitchell, Melissa A.; Schmidt, Norman B. "Efficacy of a prevention program for postpartum obsessive–compulsive symptoms". Journal of Psychiatric Research. 45 (11): 1511–1517. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.06.015.
  39. ↑ Wheaton, Michael G.; Berman, Noah C.; Fabricant, Laura E.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S. (2013-03-01). "Differences in Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms and Obsessive Beliefs: A Comparison between African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans, and European Americans". Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. 42 (1): 9–20. doi:10.1080/16506073.2012.701663. ISSN 1650-6073. PMID 23134374.
  40. ↑ Radomsky, Adam S.; Alcolado, Gillian M.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Alonso, Pino; Belloch, Amparo; Bouvard, Martine; Clark, David A.; Coles, Meredith E.; Doron, Guy. "Part 1—You can run but you can't hide: Intrusive thoughts on six continents". Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. 3 (3): 269–279. doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.09.002.
  41. ↑ Moulding, Richard; Coles, Meredith E.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Alcolado, Gillian M.; Alonso, Pino; Belloch, Amparo; Bouvard, Martine; Clark, David A.; Doron, Guy. "Part 2. They scare because we care: The relationship between obsessive intrusive thoughts and appraisals and control strategies across 15 cities". Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. 3 (3): 280–291. doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2014.02.006.
  42. ↑ Clark, David A.; Abramowitz, Jon; Alcolado, Gillian M.; Alonso, Pino; Belloch, Amparo; Bouvard, Martine; Coles, Meredith E.; Doron, Guy; Fernández-Álvarez, Hector. "Part 3. A question of perspective: The association between intrusive thoughts and obsessionality in 11 countries". Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. 3 (3): 292–299. doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.12.006.
  43. ↑ "Fellow at ABCT". www.abct.org. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  44. ↑ "ABCT | Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy". www.abct.org. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  45. ↑ "Our Boards". International OCD Foundation. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  46. ↑ "MuhlenbergConnect - Award Winners". www.muhlenbergconnect.com. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  47. ↑ "David Shakow Early Career Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology". http://www.apa.org. Retrieved 2015-11-22. External link in |website= (help)
  48. ↑ "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Worldwide - Expertscape.com". www.expertscape.com. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  49. ↑ "Jonathan Abramowitz on ResearchGate". ResearchGate. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  50. ↑ "Dissemination and intensifying evidence-based treatment for OCD: Norway is in the lead".
  51. ↑ "Administration | Department Of Psychology and Neuroscience". psychology.unc.edu. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
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