A new model for the initiation of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder: An exploratory study

Exposure and response prevention is a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Despite its efficacy, patients often refuse or drop out, and it can require a substantial amount of time and cost. The current study examined the efficacy of a new model for initiating treatment for OCD, which might produce a rapid decrease in symptoms and experiential avoidance. This model uses a brief, intensive group intervention to reduce OCD and related symptoms by modifying OCD-related beliefs and then engaging in behavioral experiments. Cognitive components of treatment are emphasized and patients are encouraged to adopt a simple yet paradoxical mindset. Thirty-three individuals with OCD participated and completed measures of OCD-related beliefs and symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and experiential avoidance at three time intervals - pre-treatment, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up. Results indicated significant reductions from pre-treatment to post-treatment on nine out of 10 measures. All gains were maintained or decreased further from post-treatment to follow-up. There were significant reductions on all 16 measures from pre-treatment to follow-up, providing preliminary support for the efficacy of this model. It will be important to continue to examine the efficacy of this model in randomized controlled trials.