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Telephone-administered cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Steven Taylor1, Dana S Thordarson, Truman Spring
1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada. taylor@unixg.ubc.ca
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|November 18, 2005
Summary
Telephone-administered cognitive behavior therapy effectively treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. This accessible treatment shows promise for individuals, especially those in rural areas, lacking in-person care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Telehealth
Background:
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure with response prevention (ERP) are effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Limited access to these treatments exists, particularly in rural areas.
- Telephone-delivered interventions may overcome access barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of telephone-administered CBT for OCD.
- To assess treatment outcomes in individuals without major depression.
Main Methods:
- Two open trials involving 33 participants with OCD (no major depression).
- Participants underwent either delayed or immediate 12-week telephone-administered CBT.
- Symptom changes were measured pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 12-week follow-up.
Main Results:
- No symptom changes were observed during the waiting period.
- Significant symptom reduction occurred from pre- to post-treatment, maintained at follow-up.
- Effect sizes were comparable to other reduced-contact and face-to-face ERP treatments.
- Treatment dropout rates were lower than in other remote interventions.
Conclusions:
- Telephone-administered CBT is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for OCD in individuals without comorbid major depression.
- This modality offers a viable alternative for improving access to OCD treatment.
- Further research is needed to evaluate safety and efficacy in patients with comorbid major depression.