Do cognitive functions in obsessive–compulsive disorder change after treatment? A systematic review and a double case report

Abstract

A better understanding of whether cognitive dysfunctions in OCD are state dependent or trait-like could bring important implications in understanding the pathology and future treatment of OCD.

Are there reliable changes in memory and executive functions after cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

“…Compared to previous findings Ten of the 14 studies located in our literature review (Vandborg et al, 2012) are difficult to compare to our study because: (a) Changes in cognitive functions were assessed after treatment with antipsychotic medication (de Geus, Denys, & Westenberg, 2007) or after cognitive training that focused explicitly on improving cognitive functions (Buhlmann et al, 2006;Park et al, 2006), (b) the sample size was very small (N = 10) (Bannon, Gonsalvez, Croft, & Boyce, 2006;Kang et al, 2003;Nakao et al, 2005), (b) a cognitive function (implicit procedural learning) was investigated (Kathmann, Rupertseder, Hauke, & Zaudig, 2005) that we did not investigate, (4) a HC group was not included (Bolton et al, 2000;Cavedini et al, 2004;Kang et al, 2003), or HCs were not assessed twice (Moritz et al 1999;Nakao et al, 2005).…”

“…Thus, in a systematic literature review, we located eight studies that find an improvement of neurocognitive functions in patients with OCD after treatment and six studies that find the opposite (Vandborg et al, 2012).…”

Treatment Outcome and Predictors of Internet Guided Self-Help for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“…Toward this aim, the current study will be the first to examine the relationship between executive functioning and treatment response for iGSH for OCD. Previous research has not clearly defined a role for neuropsychological functioning in the outcomes of traditional face-to-face ERP (Vandborg et al, 2012). However, executive functioning may be more strongly associated with largely self-directed treatment formats such as iGSH because of the increased initiative, comprehension, and self-regulation required.…”

Neuropsychological Predictors of Treatment Response to Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“…The present study has several strengths including a relatively large and carefully screened clinical sample, and employment of a conservative definition of treatment response with multiplicity corrections. More importantly, to our knowledge the present study is the first to assess cognitive correlates of CBGT treatment response for OCD, adding to the small and contrasting body of literature that has been focusing on individual CBT or pharmacological treatment or their combination . However, our study is not without limitations.…”