Relapse prevention program for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1994 Aug;62(4):801-8. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.62.4.801.

Abstract

Eighteen participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder received 3 weeks of intensive treatment by exposure and response prevention, which were followed by either a relapse prevention (RP) program or associative therapy (AT; an attention-control program). Independent evaluators conducted assessments of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, and depression, before and after intensive behavior therapy, after the week of intensive RP or AT and at a 6-month follow-up. Results indicated that the RP program was effective in preventing relapse: Both treatment groups improved immediately after the intensive treatment, but the RP group remained improved at follow-up, whereas the AT group showed some return of symptoms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Relaxation
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Relaxation Therapy
  • Severity of Illness Index