Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as an augmentation treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• A significant number of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience persistent symptoms despite completing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
• Residual symptoms can interfere with daily functioning, necessitating additional treatment options.
• Mindfulness interventions may help by reducing reactivity to intrusive thoughts and feelings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention as an augmentation treatment for OCD patients with residual symptoms post-CBT.
• To assess MBCT's effect on OCD symptoms, depression, anxiety, obsessive beliefs, self-compassion, and mindfulness skills.

Main Methods:

• A randomized waitlist control trial was conducted.
• Participants with residual OCD symptoms after CBT received an 8-week MBCT intervention.
• Outcomes were compared to a waitlist control group.

Main Results:

• MBCT participants showed significant decreases in OCD symptoms (d=1.38), depression (d=1.25), anxiety (d=1.02), and obsessive beliefs (d=1.20) compared to the control group.
• Increases in self-compassion (d=0.77) and mindfulness skills (d=0.77) were observed in the MBCT group.
• Participants reported high satisfaction with the MBCT intervention.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an acceptable and beneficial augmentation treatment for OCD patients experiencing residual symptoms after CBT.
• MBCT enhances mindfulness skills, potentially by fostering nonjudgmental acceptance of intrusive thoughts, which may reduce reliance on compulsions.
• Further research is warranted to explore MBCT's efficacy in preventing OCD relapse and its comparison against continued CBT.