Concentrated ERP delivered in a group setting: An effectiveness study

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the acceptability and long term gains of a highly concentrated exposure and response prevention (ERP) for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment was individually tailored and delivered in a group format over four consecutive days in an outpatient OCD treatment unit, part of the ordinary specialist health care. A total of 35 patients accepted the offer of treatment; 23 of the patients were classified with “severe” to “extreme” OCD, and 74% of the sample had previously received treatment for their OCD (20% of these with ERP). The results showed that more than 90% of the patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the concentrated ERP. At six months follow-up 27 (77%) were classified as recovered and a significant improvement was seen in depressive symptoms as well. The majority of the sample also showed improvement with regard to employment status 12 months after treatment. The results indicate that this highly concentrated treatment may be a feasible format of delivering ERP.