Group Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An Evaluation

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Abstract
This study presents the results of a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of treating people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in group. Twenty-four clients in four groups run consecutively participated in the study. Outcome measures of statistical and clinical significance suggest that specific effects on the reduction of OCD symptoms were small. However, important positive non-specific effects were achieved relating to enhanced mood, reduction of the disabling effects of the symptoms, and clients self reported increased sense of hope, understanding and control. Initial improvements were maintained at six month follow-up. Clients' rating of helpfulness for the different contents of the group programme were highest for non-specific aspects. The author suggests that the presented group programme may have an important pre-treatment role in helping OCD clients prior to individual therapy.