An effectiveness study of intensive outpatient treatment for OCD

Abstract

While obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often responsive to treatments like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), many patients remain unresponsive or relapse after discontinuation. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer a solution for those needing more support than standard outpatient care, but not requiring the extensive supervision of residential treatment. The present effectiveness study evaluated the outcome of an IOP delivered to a large sample of adults and children with OCD in-person and via telehealth. Results indicated substantial symptom reduction (over 50%) in both formats. Greater baseline severity predicted greater improvement, but no other variables moderated the effects of treatment. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of IOPs in providing substantial symptom relief for individuals with OCD in both in-person and telehealth formats. Implications for bridging the science-practice gap are discussed.