Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Does Adding Exposure and Ritual Prevention Work?

Many patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of antidepressants. Studies of antidepressant and antipsychotic combinations have found low response rates (≤25%) and frequent adverse effects. Clearly, alternatives are necessary. This controlled trial examined the effect of add-on cognitive-behavioral therapy in patients with OCD.

The 108 participants had moderate or severe OCD that had responded partially to 12 weeks of treatment with one of six antidepressants at doses associated with OCD response. Patients with secondary diagnoses of comorbid depressive or anxiety disorders were eligible for inclusion. Many patients took other medications, most commonly benzodiazepines (in 19 patients) and antipsy…