Factors Predicting the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) effectively treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the variables that predict the success of CBGT in OCD treatment. The variables can predict treatment success, obtained by a demographic data form, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV for Axis-I Disorders, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Thought Action Fusion Scale, General Assessment of Functioning Scale, and White Bear Suppression Inventory. Data of 56 participants who attended fourteen sessions of CBGT were evaluated. Having reactive type obsessions, high initial functionality, low thought action fusion (TAF), and high suppression levels predict the success of CBGT with medium to large effect sizes (p < .001, p < .001, p = .037, p = .024). According to results, obsession type, initial functionality, TAF, and suppression can be worthy of personalizing treatment before CBGT. Specific interventions can be developed for these variables.