Efficacy of medication and combined medication and cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder

Abstract

This study was conducted to see the effectiveness of medication and combined medication and CBT for the treatment of OCD and to find out the treatment group with greater efficacy. To fulfill the objectives thirty OCD patients (diagnosed by DSM-IV) were divided into two groups (Group A and Group B); each consisting of fifteen patients. Group A received capsule Fluoxetine as a standard medication of OCD and Group B received combined medication (Fluoxetine) and CBT. To measure the symptom severity Dhaka University Obsessive Compulsive Scale (DUOCS) was used initially (before treatment) and at 5th, 9th, and 13th weeks (after treatment). Mean initial score of DUOCS in Group was 46.6±16.04 and in Group B it was 36.67±12.85. Mean DUOCS score at 9th week was 34.46±16.21 and in Group B it was 23.92±8.43. Mean DUOCS score at 13th week in Group A was 28.23±12.96 and in Group B it was 18.77±6.3. Comparison of means of initial DUOCS score and 13th week score using paired t test in both the treatment groups were done. In both the groups the mean score changes were highly significant (p=0.000). From analysis it was seen that mean symptom reduction was more in Group B but it was not statistically significant (p=0.721). From analysis it was seen that mean percentage reduction of symptoms was also more in case of Group B but it also fell short of being statistically significant (p=0.104).