Related Experiment Videos
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in agoraphobia: changes with treatment
G A Fava1, M Zielezny, E Luria
1Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Psychiatry Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Agoraphobia patients often experience more obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Behavioral treatment for agoraphobia significantly reduced these symptoms, eliminating the difference between patients and controls.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Agoraphobia with panic attacks is a recognized anxiety disorder.
- Obsessive-compulsive symptoms can co-occur with other psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with agoraphobia.
- To assess the impact of behavioral treatment for agoraphobia on obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with agoraphobia and panic attacks were assessed for obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
- Patients were compared to healthy control subjects matched on sociodemographic variables.
- Behavioral treatment targeting agoraphobia was administered.
Main Results:
- Agoraphobia patients reported significantly higher levels of obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to controls.
- Behavioral treatment for agoraphobia led to a significant reduction in obsessive-compulsive complaints.
- Post-treatment, no significant differences in obsessive-compulsive symptoms were found between patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are more prevalent in patients with agoraphobia.
- Targeted behavioral treatment for agoraphobia can effectively alleviate co-occurring obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
- Clinicians should consider screening for agoraphobia in individuals presenting with obsessive-compulsive disturbances.