The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on the use of alternative therapies in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). To provide context to the review, the paper begins with a definition of OCD, and a delineation of its diagnostic criteria and prevalence rates; this is followed by an examination of the major etiological models of the disorder and a brief discussion of traditional treatments for OCD.
The paper then examines the research investigating the effects of diverse alternative therapies and interventions in the treatment of the disorder. The review ends with a summary of major findings and the presentation of a series of conclusions about alternative treatments for OCD formulated on the basis of the reviewed research.
OCD: Definition, Diagnostic Criteria, and Prevalence
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive or uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions), or the need to perform specific acts repeatedly (compulsions), or both (Sue, Sue & Sue, 1994). The American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV, 1994) lists the diagnostic criteria for the disorder as:
A. Either Obsessions or Compulsions
Obsessions as defined by (1), (2), (3) and (4)
(1) Recurrent persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and inappropriate, and that cause marked anxiety or distress.
(2) The thought, impulses, or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems.
(3) The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses, or images, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.
(4) The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses, or images are a product of his or her own mind and not imposed from without as in thought insertion.
Compulsions as defined by (1) and (2)
(1) Repetitive behaviors (handwashing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (praying, co...