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Those unable to receive exposure-response therapy also helped
VANCOUVER - Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients show significant improvement after receiving therapy that targets their primary obsession, according to researchers at the University of British Columbia's Anxiety Disorder Clinic.
The unique study, funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research, focuses on OCD patients who suffer from anxiety disorders, but report none of the overt compulsions such as repeated handwashing or lock checking, which represents about 20% of sufferers. Instead, their primary obsession involves repeated sexual, violent or blasphemous thoughts.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Melanie O'Neill (PhD), one of the lead investigators, said family doctors are often the last to know their patient is struggling with an anxiety disorder, let alone one involving primary obsessions. Yet with the proper intervention, including medication if appropriate, these patients can do well.
Of the 30...