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Manual-Driven group cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a pilot study
M Thienemann1, J Martin, B Cregger
1Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. mthiene@stanford.edu
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|November 9, 2001
Summary
Group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents, showing significant symptom reduction and high patient satisfaction. This adapted group format offers a viable treatment option for young individuals with OCD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents presents challenges including isolation and limited treatment access.
- Existing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols require adaptation for group settings to address these issues.
- Concerns exist regarding pharmacotherapy response and adherence to individual CBT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a group-based CBT protocol for adolescents diagnosed with OCD.
- To assess symptom improvement and patient satisfaction with the adapted group CBT format.
- To determine if a manualized CBT approach can be successfully implemented in a group setting for adolescent OCD.
Main Methods:
- An open, naturalistic trial involving 18 adolescents (aged 13-17) with OCD.
- Participants received a 14-week group CBT program adapted from an established manual.
- The study involved four consecutive sessions, each with five to nine patients.
Main Results:
- Significant statistical and clinical improvement in OCD symptoms, measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.
- Adolescents actively participated in sharing information and developing exposure interventions collaboratively.
- Self-report measures indicated high levels of patient satisfaction with the group therapy format.
Conclusions:
- A manual-based CBT protocol can be effectively adapted for group delivery to adolescents with OCD.
- The group format proved palatable and acceptable to adolescent patients, leading to clinical improvement.
- Findings support further investigation of group CBT for adolescent OCD in controlled studies.