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Cognitive Therapy with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Ian A. James*
Affiliation:
Collingwood Clinic, Newcastle upon Tyne
Ivy-Marie Blackburn
Affiliation:
Collingwood Clinic, Newcastle upon Tyne
*
Dr I. A. James, Cognitive Therapy Centre, Collingwood Clinic, Newcastle Mental Health NHS Trust, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, UK

Abstract

Background

People with obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD) are widely treated with a combination of medication and behavioural techniques. The success rate is 50–85%, but both relapse and drop-out rates appear high. The use of cognitive therapy (CT) for the treatment of OCD has been suggested. The empirical evidence supporting the use of CT for OCD is examined.

Method

A manual and computer (Medline) literature search was performed.

Results

Fifteen empirical studies were found: ten non-controlled, and five controlled.

Conclusions

There are few controlled CT studies, and these show little evidence of improvement when CT is added to existing therapeutic techniques.

Type
Review Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1995 

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