Perfectionism in Intensive Residential Treatment of Obsessive –Compulsive Disorder

This study administered measures of multidimensional perfectionism and OCD severity at admission and discharge in a large sample (N = 154) of adult OCD patients undergoing intensive residential treatment (IRT). Results indicated that more perfectionistic patients had slightly longer treatment duration. Adjusting for treatment duration and baseline severity, pre-treatment perfectionism did not significantly predict OCD outco mes. However, all domains of perfectionism significantly improved following treatment, and changes in perfectionism significantly predicted OCD outcomes. In particular, greater reduction in maladaptive perfectionism uniquely predicted better OCD symptom outcomes. These results suggest that high init ial levels of perfectionism may not prevent OCD patients from benefitting from IRT, and that reduction in perfectionism significantly accounts for OCD treatment gains. Limitations and avenues for future research are discussed.
Source: Cognitive Therapy and Research - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research