Effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive–behavioural therapy delivery formats for obsessive–compulsive disorder: network meta-analysis

Background While various delivery formats of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are available, comprehensive evidence on their comparative effectiveness and acceptability is lacking. Aim To examine the comparative effectiveness and acceptability of different CBT delivery formats for OCD. Method An existing database of psychological interventions for OCD was utilised, with randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CBT delivery formats with each other/control groups were included. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. Comparative standard mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for effectiveness in reducing OCD symptom severity post-treatment. Relative risks were calculated for acceptability (conceptualised as any cause discontinuation in the acute treatment phase). Results A total of 61 RCTs involving 3710 patients with OCD were included. All CBT treatment formats were significantly more effective than control groups (SMDs: −0.39 to −1.66). No significant differences were found among individual, remote-delivery, guided self-help, time-intensive and family-involved formats. However, individual, remote-delivery and family-involved formats were more effective than group (SMDs, −0.38 to −0.60), and most treatment formats were more effective than unguided self-help (SMDs, −0.58 to −0.80). Regarding acceptability, most CBT formats showed no significant differences among themselves, although they were generally more acceptable (relative risks: 1.11–1.18) than unguided self-help. Conclusions Most CBT delivery formats serve as potential alternatives to conventional individual CBT. Unguided self-help has lower but still moderate effects in reducing OCD symptom severity, and it holds important potential for assisting a larger number of individuals with OCD who face barriers to accessing treatments.