Change Factors in the Process of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a proven treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• However, the specific therapeutic change factors driving CBT's success in OCD are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the change factors within the therapeutic process of CBT for OCD.
• To determine if factors like therapeutic relationship, self-esteem, mastery, and clarification predict symptom reduction.

Main Methods:

• 155 participants with primary OCD underwent CBT inpatient treatment.
• Symptom severity was measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale-SR.
• Process change factors (therapeutic relationship, self-esteem, mastery, clarification) were assessed weekly for seven weeks.
• Linear mixed growth curve analyses were employed to model symptom decrease and predict reduction based on change factors.

Main Results:

• A linear decrease in OCD symptoms was observed, with significant individual variation.
• Increased self-esteem and mastery experiences predicted symptom reduction.
• The initial score of mastery experience and problem clarification also predicted a decrease in symptom severity.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing self-esteem and mastery experiences are crucial for reducing OCD symptoms during CBT.
• Early focus on problem clarification in initial sessions is recommended.
• Therapists should prioritize boosting self-esteem and self-efficacy (mastery) throughout OCD treatment.