A META-ANALYSIS of COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY and MEDICATION for CHILD OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: MODERATORS of TREATMENT EFFICACY, RESPONSE, and REMISSION

Background Individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) for the treatment of youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although meta-analyses have confirmed these results, there has been minimal examination of treatment moderators or an examination of treatment response and symptom/diagnostic remission for these two treatment types. The present report examined the treatment efficacy, treatment response, and symptom/diagnostic remission for youth with OCD receiving either CBT or SRIs relative to comparison conditions, and examined treatment moderators. Method A comprehensive literature search identified 20 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, and produced a sample size of 507 CBT participants and 789 SRI participants. Results Random effects meta-analyses of CBT trials found large treatment effects for treatment efficacy (g = 1.21), treatment response (relative risk [RR] = 3.93), and symptom/diagnostic remission (RR = 5.40). Greater co-occurring anxiety disorders, therapeutic contact, and lower treatment attrition were associated with greater CBT effects. The number needed to treat (NNT) was three for treatment response and symptom/diagnostic remission. Random effects meta-analyses of SRI trials found a moderate treatment effect for treatment efficacy (g = 0.50), treatment response (RR = 1.80), and symptom/diagnostic remission (RR = 2.06). Greater methodological quality was associated with a lower treatment response for SRI trials. The NNT was five for treatment response and symptom/diagnostic remission. Conclusions Findings demonstrate the treatment effects for CBT and SRIs across three important outcome metrics, and provide evidence for moderators of CBT across trials.