Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder – A qualitative study on patients’ experiences

• Main Authors: Hertenstein Elisabeth, Rose Nina, Voderholzer Ulrich, Heidenreich Thomas, Nissen Christoph, Thiel Nicola, Herbst Nirmal, Külz Anne Katrin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-10-01
• Series: BMC Psychiatry
• Subjects: Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Mindfulness; MBCT; Complementary treatment; Qualitative content analysis; Subjective experience
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/12/185

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the first-line treatment for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, not all of them achieve remission on a longterm basis. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) represents a new 8-week group therapy program whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in various mental disorders, but has not yet been applied to patients with OCD.</p> <p>The present pilot study aimed to qualitatively assess the subjective experiences of patients with OCD who participated in MBCT.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patients suffering from OCD directly after 8 sessions of a weekly MBCT group program. Data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Participants valued the treatment as helpful in dealing with their OCD and OCD-related problems. Two thirds of the patients reported a decline in OCD symptoms. Benefits included an increased ability to let unpleasant emotions surface and to live more consciously in the present. However, participants also discussed several problems.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The data provide preliminary evidence that patients with OCD find aspects of the current MBCT protocol acceptable and beneficial. The authors suggest to further explore MBCT as a complementary treatment strategy for OCD.</p>