Cognitive-behavior therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder in private practice: An effectiveness study

A controversy exists over whether or not the results of randomized controll ed trials (RCTs) are generalizable to routine clinical practice. The presen t study examines the effectiveness of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a private practice setting. Twenty-s ix consecutive clients referred to a private anxiety disorders specialty cl inic began treatment for OCD. Of the 19 (73%) clients who completed treatme nt, 84% were treatment responders. Clients, treatment, and outcome of the p resent study are compared with those of representative RCTs, and it is conc luded that there are more similarities than differences. It is concluded th at CBT can be effectively delivered in routine clinical practice. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.