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Faith-assisted cognitive therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder
1Community Mental Health Service, Tokoroa Hospital, New Zealand.
Objective:
The aim of this paper is to report the rapid resolution of obsessions when the patient invoked Christ to treat her obsessions.
Clinical Picture:
A 25-year-old female presented with obsessions (doubts) that: (i) while driving she will knock down a pedestrian; and (ii) she will be charged with sex abuse.
Treatment And Outcome:
Cognitive therapy (cognitive restructuring and thought-stopping) was offered. After a single session a complete remission was reported when she replaced her doubts with firm convictions that 'Christ will help me drive safely' and 'Christ will not let me do anything wrong'. She was reported to have remained well at the end of 5 months at which time she relocated and was then lost to follow-up.
Conclusion:
Religious faith can have a healing effect, and cognitive therapy is not incompatible with religion. Although unusual in standard clinical practice, rapid resolution of obsessions is possible.