Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) prefer treatment delivered in person rather than remotely, according to a study in Psychiatric Services. They also endorsed more and better education on types and use of medication and research on new treatments.Why It’s Relevant
OCD affects approximately 2% of the world’s population, causing considerable functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Yet individuals with lived experience of OCD are seldomly asked about their preferences for treatment or priority areas for research.
By the Numbers
- Researchers assessed responses from 378 individuals with probable OCD (defined as a self-reported score of greater than 21 on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised).
- Participants rated various modes of treatment delivery, supporting resources (such as peer support groups), and areas of OCD research. They were also asked one open-ended question: “What do you think are the key questions about OCD that need to be answered? List up to three in order of priority.”
- There was an overall preference for in-person treatment versus remote care, though individuals currently receiving medication for OCD reported a greater interest in remote treatment, while those receiving psychotherapy preferred in-person care.
- Resources that participants endorsed as important or very important were materials related to OCD medications and informational programs on TV or YouTube.
- The research domains rated as important or very important were improving treatments, understanding the course of OCD, and ensuring accessibility to services.
- The open-ended question revealed a desire for more information on best treatments and the underlying causes of OCD, including genetics.
The Other Side
The sample did not adequately represent all demographic groups (76% White, 68% under 31), assess structural factors such as discrimination that could affect marginalized groups, or assess individual-level factors that might provide more context to participants' preferences. For these reasons, the ability to interpret group differences was limited.
Takeaway Message
The study’s findings could inform the development of educational materials for people living with OCD as well as strategic priorities for researchers. However, further studies engaging individuals across all ages and demographics are needed to better guide the design of OCD resources, programs, and research.
Related Information
Source
Amy M. Rapp, et.al. Perspectives of individuals with lived experience on obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment delivery, supports, and research. Psychiatric Services. Published July 2, 2026. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.20240401
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Andrii Yalanskyi)
