The Efficacy of Combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Exposure Prevention Response on Symptoms of Resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An Intensive Day Care Program

Roshanak  Khodabakhsh Pirklani; Sanaz  Khomami

doi:10.18502/fbt.v11i1.14509

Roshanak Khodabakhsh Pirklani Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psycology Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
Sanaz Khomami Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psycology Alzahra University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psycology Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fbt.v11i1.14509

Keywords: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Exposure Prevention Response; Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Biofeedback

Abstract

Purpose: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental and behavioral disorder in which an individual has intrusive thoughts and rituals which decrease the distress. It seems that there are many treatments such as EX/RP, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), medications or mindfulness for OCD, but there is no single effective treatment yet. In this study, we investigated a multi-element daily program on symptom reduction of OCD people.

Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental design 13 patients were included in the study and received daily rTMS with EX/RP and biofeedback. We utilized BDI, BAI, and YBOCS tools to collect data before and after the treatment and in the subsequent one-month follow-up.

Results: According to the BDI, BAI, and YBOCS results, the decrease in score was observed at the p<0.001 level and the changes were significant after a one-month follow-up period.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the combination of sequenced treatments simultaneously such as rTMS and biofeedback with exposure therapy can facilitate the engagement and enhancement of self-control and distress tolerance.