An open access journal
The Efficacy of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard psychotherapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), focusing on exposing individuals to feared stimuli while preventing ritualistic responses to reduce symptom severity and improve functioning. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of ERP in reducing OCD symptoms and improving quality of life in individuals with OCD. Through a comprehensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of ERP compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, supportive therapy, medication only) in targeting OCD symptoms, including obsessions, compulsions, and associated impairment. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist involvement, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., age, symptom severity), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of ERP for OCD.
Share and Cite
Article Metrics
References
- Abramowitz, J. S. (1996). Variants of exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis. Behavior Therapy, 27(4), 583-600.
- Foa, E. B., et al. (2005). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences therapist guide. Oxford University Press.
- Franklin, M. E., et al. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: Empirical review and clinical recommendations. Psychiatry Research, 189(1), 1-8.
- Eddy, K. T., et al. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for perfectionism in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis of treatment outcome studies. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2(1), 2-11.
- Olatunji, B. O., et al. (2013). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis of treatment outcome and moderators. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 47(1), 33-41.
- Storch, E. A., et al. (2007). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: Empirical review and clinical recommendations. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(4), 469-478.