MOOD CHANGES AND FLOODING OUTCOME IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PATIENTS - REPORT OF A 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Twenty-five chronic obsessive-compulsive patients treated with flooding were investigated retrospectively after 2 years by an independent assessor for the presence of depressive mood fluctuations during their life histories using a five-point rating scale. Patients themselves also completed rating scales for obsessional phenomena during the pre-, posttreatment, and follow-up assessment. Fifteen patients were characterized as not having exhibited mood changes and 10 as having such changes. Patients without changes responded promptly to flooding treatment and showed further improvement during follow-up. Patients with mood changes, although responding well to initially delivered flooding sessions, showed significant relapse at follow-up. © 1979 by The Williams & Wilkins Co.