Junginger J, Head S
Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803-5501.
Behav Res Ther. 1991;29(6):521-30. doi: 10.1016/0005-7967(91)90002-k.
Time series analysis of more than a year of daily self-report of three subjects showed that self-imposed delay and response prevention was effective in decreasing obsessions and compulsions. The subject-controlled treatment had a varied effect on mood-anxiety decreased in two subjects, but depression increased in one. (A similar worsening of mood after elimination of obsessional behavior was found in a previous case study.) Apparently, successful treatment of obsessional behavior will not necessarily lead to an improvement in mood. Concurrent mood symptoms need to be targeted separately; and, plans should be made to deal with mood symptoms that may occur once obsessional behavior is removed.
