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Behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a decade of progress
1Institute of Psychiatry, London, England. I.Marks@iop.bpmf.ac.UK
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|February 20, 1998
Summary
Exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) is a lasting behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It effectively reduces symptoms and relapse risk, potentially offering long-term cost-effectiveness compared to medication.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Therapy
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition.
- Behavioral therapy has evolved significantly over the past decade for OCD treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in behavioral therapy research for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- To assess the efficacy and long-term outcomes of exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) for OCD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of salient research studies on behavioral therapy for OCD.
- Review of findings on exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) efficacy and durability.
Main Results:
- Exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) effectively reduces OCD symptoms across age groups, with lasting effects.
- ERP shows greater long-term cost-effectiveness and lower relapse rates than antidepressant medication.
- Cognitive therapy demonstrates comparable efficacy to ERP, and self-administered ERP shows promise.
Conclusions:
- Exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) is a highly effective and durable treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Further research is needed on the long-term cost-effectiveness of self-administered ERP versus cognitive therapy and medication.
- Investigating brief psychological treatments for comorbid depression in OCD patients is warranted.