Long-Term Follow-up of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Symptom Severity and the Role of Exposure 8-10 Years After Inpatient Treatment.
Authors: Külz AK, Landmann S, Schmidt-Ott M, Zurowski B, Wahl-Kordon A, Voderholzer U
Journal: Journal of cognitive psychotherapy
cognitive-behavioral therapy
follow-up
obsessive-compulsive disorder
treatment
Adult
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Implosive Therapy
Male
Middle Aged
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be effectively treated by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Yet, little is known about the long-term effects of inpatient CBT up to one decade after treatment. Thirty patients who had been treated with 12 weeks of intensive inpatient CBT with ERP were examined 8-10 years after their stay in hospital with regard to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, secondary outcomes, and use of healthcare services. Significant (p < .001) improvements in OC symptoms with medium and large effects compared to baseline on the Yale-Brown-Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R) could still be observed, with 20% of the patients reaching remission status. Continuation of exposure exercises after the inpatient stay was the sole significant factor for improved scores at follow-up. The results suggest that OCD does not necessarily take a chronic course. However, maintenance of exposure training seems to be crucial for sustained improvement.