- Exposure plus response prevention : Exposure plus response prevention refers to a behavioral technique usually used for the treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). In this technique, the patient is exposed to the situation that spurs his or her obsession (example, touching a doorknob) and is prevented from engaging in the compulsive behavior that relieves the obsession (example, repeated hand washing). Ultimately, the patient will habituate to his or her obsession, and the compulsive behavior will be extinguished.