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Related Experiment Videos

Marital adjustment and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

P M Emmelkamp1, E de Haan, C A Hoogduin

  • 1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|January 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is effective whether partners are involved or not. Treatment improved OCD symptoms without negatively impacting marriages or partners.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly impacts individuals and their relationships.
  • The role of partner involvement in OCD treatment outcomes is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of behavioral therapy for OCD with and without direct partner involvement.
  • To assess the impact of this therapy on marital quality and partner adjustment.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty individuals with OCD underwent behavioral therapy, including self-exposure in vivo and response prevention.
  • Participants were randomized into two groups: one with partner involvement, one without.

Main Results:

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  • Both treatment formats demonstrated equal effectiveness in reducing OCD symptoms.
  • Marital quality and partner adjustment remained stable, irrespective of partner involvement in therapy.
  • Improvements in OCD symptoms occurred regardless of pre-existing marital problems.

    • Conclusions:

    • Behavioral therapy is an effective standalone treatment for OCD, even without direct partner participation.
    • Partner involvement is not necessary for successful OCD treatment outcomes and does not harm marital relationships.
    • Therapeutic gains in OCD do not adversely affect marital dynamics or partner well-being.