The effectiveness and acceptability of the Bergen 4-day treatment for adolescents with OCD: a replication and extension

Abstract Background B4DT is a concentrated treatment format with prolonged sessions of exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) delivered over four consecutive days. Two previous open trials demonstrated promising results of the Bergen 4-day treatment (B4DT) for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive dis...

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Main Authors: Solvei Harila Skjold, Kristen Hagen, Michael G. Wheaton, Kay Morten Hjelle, Thröstur Björgvinsson, Bjarne Hansen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-02-01
Series:BMC Psychiatry
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05601-w
Description
Summary:Abstract Background B4DT is a concentrated treatment format with prolonged sessions of exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) delivered over four consecutive days. Two previous open trials demonstrated promising results of the Bergen 4-day treatment (B4DT) for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of the current study was to replicate the initial results with a new sample of adolescents and different therapists at different sites across Norway. Methods Forty-three youths participated in treatment program. At pretreatment, posttreatment, and the three-month follow-up, OCD symptoms were assessed using the CY-BOCS interview, while the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were administered to rate general anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms. Acceptability and patient satisfaction with the treatment were rated with the CSQ-8. Results All symptoms were significantly reduced at posttreatment and follow-up. At posttreatment, 36 patients (85.71%) were defined as responders, while 29 patients (69.05%) achieved remission. At the three-month follow-up, 36 patients (92.3%) were defined as responders, while 33 patients (84.62%) were in remission. CSQ-8 scores indicated that the patients were highly satisfied with the treatment. Conclusions The B4DT was successfully replicated in a new sample at different sites across Norway, which indicates that this treatment is generalizable, effective and acceptable to adolescents with OCD.
ISSN:1471-244X