Schema Therapy and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) with or without repetitive mental or behavioural acts (compulsions). 1 OCD is a relatively common disorder. The Epidemiologic Catchment Area study estimates its lifetime prevalence at the 2,5%,2 with an early onset and a chronic course. The National Comorbidity Survey Replication estimates an annual prevalence of 1.2% and a lifetime prevalence at 2.3%. In Europe, the economic burden of OCD among adults was estimated (2012) to be 2272 euro on average.3 The Schema-focused Cognitive Therapy, developed by Young and co-workers in the years 1990-1999,4 is an integrated psychotherapeutic approach combining various Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques such as Exposure Response Prevention, of proven effectiveness, with elements of Attachment Theory, Gestalt, Interpersonal and psychodynamic theory.5 The CBT component of Schema Therapy (ST) is strong; however, in ST there is a greater emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, as compared with the classical CBT, and more emphasis, as well, on affect and mood states. Characteristically, there is a greater attention to childhood origin and developmental process. Finally, there is more emphasis on lifelong coping styles.