Long-Term Follow-up of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Symptom Severity and the Role of Exposure 8–10 Years After Inpatient Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be effectively treated by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Yet, little is known about the long-term effects of inpatient CBT up to one decade after treatment. Thirty patients who had been treated with 12 weeks of intensive inpatient CBT with ERP were examined 8–10 years after their stay in hospital with regard to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, secondary outcomes, and use of healthcare services. Significant (p <.001) improvements in OC symptoms with medium and large effects compared to baseline on the Yale-Brown-Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R) could still be observed, with 20% of the patients reaching remission status. Continuation of exposure exercises after the inpatient stay was the sole significant factor for improved scores at follow-up. The results suggest that OCD does not necessarily take a chronic course. However, maintenance of exposure training seems to be crucial for sustained improvement.