Treatment Outcomes for Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder: A Critical Review

Abstract

Counselors in the 21st century must not only respond to the pressures of managed care but also support the best interests of their clients. Criticism from consumers and professionals about the lack of empirical evidence of the efficacy of counseling as well as pressure from managed care companies have prompted a focus on evaluating treatment outcomes. This article provides a framework for developing standards of care by highlighting issues in outcome research in general and by reviewing treatment outcomes for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Response to Hansen: Economic Pressures, Not Science, Undermine Humanistic Counseling

“…The influential report was widely disseminated and was soon followed by updated lists, renaming EVTs as empirically supported treatments (ESTs). Within a few years, ESTs had gained influence and were more likely to be reimbursed by managed care than were non‐ESTs (Hill & Beamish, 2007). In sum, the threat of psychology losing out to psychiatry for MCO reimbursement led psychologists to adopt the FDA criteria for demonstrating treatment (i.e., ESTs) worthy of reimbursement.…”

Family Therapy in Iran: A Case Study of Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder

“…Western childhood OCD literature has noted obstacles that reduce the effectiveness of CBT (Abramowitz, Taylor, & McKay, 2005). Many children are inappropriate for treatment, they drop out of treatment, or they continue to show symptoms after therapy has ended (Hill & Beamish, 2007;March & Mulle, 1998;O'Kearney, Anstey, & von Sanden, 2008;Turner, 2006). OCD symptoms involving religious practices can be particularly problematic because symptoms reflect deeply held beliefs (Suess & Halpern, 1989).…”

“…At the end of treatment and during a follow-up interview, MJA reported no OCD or anxiety symptoms (CY-BOCS score = 0). A complete cessation of symptoms would be considered unusual in the Western childhood OCD literature Hill & Beamish, 2007;March & Mulle, 1998;O'Kearney et al, 2008;Turner, 2006). MJA's obsessions were completely eliminated, and she considered herself to be peaceful, happy, and at ease.…”