The effectiveness of meta-cognitive therapy, neurofeedback and fluvoxamine on anxiety, depression and symptoms of Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most disabling anxiety disorders, with multi-dimensional and complex nature that requires ongoing investigations and treatments strategies. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of metacognitive therapy (MCT), neurofeedback and treatment with fluvoxamine on anxiety, depression and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients. Therefore, in a quasi-experimental study with pretest, posttest, and control group, 40 patients with OCD were selected through purposive sampling method from clients referred to Kerman’s Center of Psychiatry and Psychology in Kerman, and randomly assigned into three experimental groups and one control group. Each experimental group experienced 10 weeks of treatment. The participants were evaluated for OCD symptoms, anxiety, and depression before and after treatment. Covariance analysis showed that the efficacy of three methods were effective on reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression. Comparison of the results showed that MCT has greater effectiveness than two other treatments and that neurofeedback therapy is more effective than pharmacotherapy in decreasing anxiety. It seems that meta-cognitive therapy and neurofeedback are effective in improving anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with OCD.