SOCIAL SUPPORT AND TREATMENT OUTCOME OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDERAT 9-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

The present study investigated whether social support and family membe rs' reactions to clients with obsessive compulsive disorder played a s ignificant role in the follow-up outcome of an intensive behavioral tr eatment program. The roles OCD symptoms, moodstate, social functioning and life events were also assessed. General social support did not pr edict relapse, but significant others' empathy and positive interactio ns were associated with maintenance of gains. Negative family interact ions (especially criticism and anger) and belief that clients could co ntrol their symptoms predicted relapse. Higher levels of post-treatmen t anxiety and depression and poorer functioning were related to negati ve outcome, as was distress from life events during follow-up. Results are discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of action and futur e research needs.