Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder: A clinical effectiveness study

Oskar Flygare, Erik Andersson, Helene Ringberg, Anna-Clara Hellstadius, Johan Edbacken, Jesper Enander, Matti Dahl, Kristina Aspvall, Indra Windh, Ailsa Russell, David Mataix-Cols, Christian Ruck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (SciVal)
485 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Obsessive–compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder commonly co-occur. Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder has not previously been evaluated outside the United Kingdom. In this study, 19 adults with obsessive–compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder were treated using an adapted cognitive behavior therapy protocol that consisted of 20 sessions focused on exposure with response prevention. The primary outcome was the clinician-rated Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale. Participants were assessed up to 3 months after treatment. There were significant reductions on the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale at post-treatment (d = 1.5), and improvements were sustained at follow-up (d = 1.2). Self-rated obsessive–compulsive disorder and depressive symptoms showed statistically significant reductions. Improvements in general functioning and quality of life were statistically non-significant. Three participants (16%) were responders at post-treatment and four (21%) were in remission from obsessive–compulsive disorder. At follow-up, three participants (16%) were responders and one (5%) was in full remission. Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder in adults with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder is associated with reductions in obsessive–compulsive symptoms and depressive symptoms. However, outcomes are modest; few patients were completely symptom free, and treatment engagement was low with few completed exposures and low adherence to homework assignments. We identify and discuss the need for further treatment refinement for this vulnerable group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)190-199
Number of pages10
JournalAutism
Volume24
Issue number1
Early online date12 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Jan 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2019.

Keywords

  • autism spectrum disorder
  • cognitive behavior therapy
  • obsessive–compulsive disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder: A clinical effectiveness study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this