Cognitive-behavioral treatment of obsessions.
Three patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder whose major complaints were obsessional thoughts with cognitive neutralization as opposed to overt rituals were treated with a cognitive-behavioral package. Cognitive neutralization involves both cognitive rituals and a variety of less ritualized coping strategies all designed to remove the thought and decrease discomfort. In a departure from earlier case studies, the patients were treated in a multiple baseline design across subjects. All three patients reported decreased discomfort and improved their professional and/or interpersonal functioning. Gains were maintained at follow-up (8 to 11 months).
Ladouceur
R
R
Ecole de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
Freeston
M H
MH
Gagnon
F
F
Thibodeau
N
N
Dumont
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013850:Thinking