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Group cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
1Department of Psychology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|September 30, 2008
Summary
Group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This meta-analysis confirms group CBT/ERP as a valuable treatment option for OCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioural Science
Background:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Group-based CBT/ERP for OCD has been under-researched despite its potential for wider accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of group CBT/ERP for treating OCD.
- To synthesize existing research on group CBT/ERP outcomes in OCD patients.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search and meta-analysis using Cochrane Review Manager.
- Calculated pre- to post-treatment effect sizes (ES) and between-group ES using Cohen's d.
- Primary outcome measure was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).
Main Results:
- Thirteen trials included, demonstrating a significant overall pre-post ES of 1.18 for group CBT/ERP.
- A between-group ES of 1.12 was observed compared to waiting list controls in randomized studies.
- Group CBT showed superior outcomes to pharmacological treatment in two studies; one study found no difference between group and individual CBT.
Conclusions:
- Group CBT/ERP is a demonstrably effective treatment modality for individuals with OCD.
- Further research is warranted to directly compare the efficacy of group versus individual CBT formats for OCD.
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