Examining the Effectiveness of Combined Pharmacological and Psychotherapeutic Treatments on the Control of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Improvement of Daily Functioning

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the common psychiatric disorders, characterized by intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors, which can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life. Despite advances in treatment, many patients do not respond sufficiently to either pharmacological or psychotherapeutic interventions alone, and their symptoms persist. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of combined pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments in controlling obsessive-compulsive symptoms and improving daily functioning. In this study, a group of patients with OCD received pharmacological treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or a combination of both. Data were collected using the Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Severity Scale and a daily functioning questionnaire. The results indicated that combined treatment produced the greatest reduction in symptom severity and significantly improved patients’ daily functioning compared to the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic-only groups. Additionally, it was found that combining pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy increased patient adherence to treatment and reduced relapse rates following the treatment period. These findings emphasize that the concurrent use of pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions can be an effective and efficient approach for managing OCD, enhancing quality of life, and improving patients’ daily functioning. The results of this study can assist psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and mental health planners in designing targeted and comprehensive treatment interventions.

Keywords:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder , Pharmacological Treatment , Psychotherapy , Combined Treatment , Daily Functioning