Marital distress and the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of marital distress to obsessive compulsive symptoms among 54 married subjects who were treated with exposure and response prevention for severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Almost 50% of the subjects were maritally distressed prior to treatment. The level of marital distress was not, however, related to the severity of obsessive compulsive symptoms. Marital distress was significantly reduced following the three-week course of behavior therapy for subjects who were distressed initially. Forty-two percent of the individuals who were maritally distressed prior to treatment were no longer distressed following treatment. Subjects who were maritally satisfied prior to treatment showed no significant change in marital distress. All subjects reported a reduction in their level of demandingness and dependency on their spouses. In addition, the maritally distressed subjects reported fewer arguments with their partners following treatment. Changes in marital distress were unrelated to reductions in depression that also were observed following treatment. Initial levels of marital distress and depression were not related to the efficacy of the behavioral treatment for reducing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.