The Applicability of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a third-generation cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has proved its efficacy amidst various mental disorders. A growing body of studies has shown that ACT can improve obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) severity in recent years. To assess the effect of ACT on OCD, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a basis for therapists to use different psychological dimensions of ACT for OCD. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, EBSCO Host, and literature references were searched until May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other study designs assessing the effect of ACT among adults suffering from OCD were examined. Results: Fourteen studies, including 413 participants, published between 2010 and 2021 were identified. ACT made statistically significant progress in the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) compared with control conditions. Conclusion: After reviewing all the ACT studies, we acknowledge the plausibility of ACT in treating OCD and improving its symptoms for the clinical population. ACT can also be an adjunct therapy for other well-established treatments. It also favors targeting psychological inflexibility. Further well-controlled and high-quality RCTs are required for a better conclusion in further studies.

Reducing Test Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

“…The concept of psychological flexibility refers to the ability to connect with the present moment with conscious awareness, to stay in touch, to change one's behavior in line with needs and values, and to persevere in this behavior (Hayes et al, 1999). In a recent systematic evaluation and meta-analysis study, it was reported that patients diagnosed with OCD, in particular, learned to change their rapport with these symptoms instead of wrestling with intrusive obsessions and compulsions after ACT intervention, and thus recovery was associated with this mediator (Soondrum et al, 2022).…”

Using values interventions to improve exposure therapy engagement in specific phobias.

“…Numerous studies over the past two decades support ACT’s effectiveness in the treatment of various mental health difficulties; especially anxiety and related disorders (e.g., A-Tjak et al, 2015; Arch et al, 2012; Ferreira et al, 2022; Forman et al, 2007; Gloster et al, 2020; Karekla, 2005; Roemer et al, 2008; Soondrum et al, 2022). Moreover, many studies have shown that integration of ACT into exposure treatment for disorders, including agoraphobia, OCD and posttraumatic stress disorder has been both effective and acceptable, especially for more complex cases (e.g., Cullinan & Gaynor, 2015; Ramirez et al, 2021; Twohig et al, 2018).…”

Clinical Advances in Treatment Strategies for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder in Adults

“…ACT can help OCD patients embrace their experiences and strive toward meaningful areas of life, despite the presence of obsessions, anxiety, and compulsions. Although a recent meta-analysis, including a small number of studies, reports the applicability of ACT for OCD [ 47 ], it needs to be tested with more extensive RCTs in larger samples.…”