Concentrated exposure and response prevention for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A replication study

A previous effectiveness study (Riise et al., 2016) demonstrated promising findings from a 4-day concentrated exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment, the Bergen 4-day treatment (B4DT), for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study investigated whether the results reported in the original study were replicated in a new sample of adolescents. Forty-one referred patients aged 11-18 underwent treatment at an outpatient clinic, as part of public health care. Treatment was delivered to 2-4 patients and their parents simultaneously, during four consecutive days, followed by a three-week period of self-administered ERP. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-up. The results demonstrated significant reductions in OCD-symptoms. Remission was achieved by 33 patients (80%) at post-treatment, and 30 (73%) at follow-up. At post-treatment or follow-up there were no significant differences between the present sample and the sample in Riise et al. (2016) on OCD-severity or on rates of response or remission. The results demonstrate that the treatment was successfully replicated in a new sample and adds further support to the efficacy of the B4DT. Findings suggest that a concentrated treatment format with prolonged sessions might be a viable option to improve treatment outcomes of ERP.