Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common treatment, but full remission is not always achieved.
• Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) is explored as a potential alternative or adjunct therapy for OCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of CBT and EH against a waitlist control in adults with OCD.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes using standardized OCD and anxiety assessment tools.
• To identify specific symptom domains where each therapy may offer distinct benefits.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 99 adult participants diagnosed with OCD.
• 12 weekly online therapy sessions were administered for CBT, EH, and waitlist control groups.
• Outcome measures included the Padua Inventory-Revised, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-Self-Report (Y-BOCS-SR), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Both CBT and EH demonstrated large, statistically significant reductions in OCD symptoms compared to the waitlist control.
• CBT was more effective in reducing compulsive behaviors, particularly washing-related compulsions.
• EH yielded greater improvements in obsessive rumination and general anxiety levels. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) is a viable and effective treatment for OCD, comparable to CBT.
• EH offers distinct therapeutic advantages, particularly for individuals with prominent obsessive thoughts and comorbid anxiety.
• The findings support EH as a valuable therapeutic option for specific OCD symptom profiles and patient needs.