THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY ON OCD’S PATIENTS

Aleksandra Dorosz; Weronika Wawrzynów; Agnieszka Skoczeń; Magdalena Maria Jakubowska; Adrian Kruk; Dominika Walczak; Błażej Kaczmarek

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.4061

Authors

Aleksandra Dorosz Lower Silesian Center of Oncology, Pulmonology, and Hematology in Wrocław, Plac Ludwika Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4956-5702
Weronika Wawrzynów Health Care Center in Oława, K.K. Baczyńskiego 1, 55-200 Oława, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9791-0267
Agnieszka Skoczeń Healthcare Center, Bohaterów Warszawy 34, 48-300 Nysa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3181-3169
Magdalena Maria Jakubowska Jan Mikulicz Radecki University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0928-3473
Adrian Kruk University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-014 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1749-6159
Dominika Walczak Wroclaw Medical University, wyb. Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1629-871X
Błażej Kaczmarek The Provincial Hospital Center of the Jelenia Góra Valley, Ogińskiego 6, 58-506 Jelenia Góra, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5540-2076

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.4061

Keywords:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Mental Health Disorders, Treatment Efficacy

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, empirically supported intervention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a chronic, debilitating condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress or preventing feared outcomes. Affecting 1-3% of the global population, OCD significantly impairs functioning, relationships, and quality of life. CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is a cornerstone of OCD treatment. It helps individuals confront obsessions and resist compulsions, disrupting the cycle that maintains symptoms. Through systematic exposure to feared stimuli and prevention of habitual responses, CBT promotes anxiety habituation and cognitive restructuring.

Material and Methods: Literature was gathered via PubMed, the Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders edited by David H. Barlow, and references from retrieved articles.

Results: OCD is a chronic illness that markedly lowers quality of life and often co-occurs with other disorders such as depression or anxiety. CBT, especially ERP, is more effective than pharmacotherapy. Neuroimaging studies (e.g., fMRI) confirm positive changes in brain activity after CBT. Regular homework between sessions is crucial for maintaining therapeutic gains.

Conclusion: Research confirms that CBT, particularly ERP, addresses core OCD mechanisms. It modifies dysfunctional thinking and behavior, reducing symptoms and improving functioning. Exposure exercises and response prevention build coping skills and reduce compulsions and obsessions. Consistent completion of therapeutic tasks, including homework, is essential for lasting outcomes. These findings highlight CBT’s efficacy as a primary treatment for OCD.

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