Cognitive behavioral treatment of older adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Despite substantial evidence supporting the general efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), little has been written to guide practitioners treating older adults with this potentially disabling condition. The present article reviews the research literature on the cognitive behavioral treatment of elders with OCD and discusses adaptations of treatment that may be required to respond effectively to clinical issues and challenges associated with this disorder in later life. Though more research is clearly needed, preliminary findings suggest exposure and response prevention is effective with older adults. However practitioners may need to adjust clinical procedure to address medical comorbidity and physical and cognitive limitations associated with aging, cultural issues and attitudes that may promote treatment resistance and nonadherence, the influence of family members and other caretakers, and complications presented by stressors and fears common in older adults.