Investigating the effect of adding neurofeedback to the choice treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy and medication) on obsessive beliefs and early maladaptive schemas in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Neurofeedback Therapy (NFT) to taking medication (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: SSRIs) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) on Obsessive Beliefs (OBs) and Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs). 

In this clinical trial conducted in Mashhad, Iran in 2019, 10 diagnosed OCD patients were selected using purposeful sampling. They were randomly assigned into equal two groups (group 1: NFT + SSRIs + CBT, group 2: SSRIs + CBT). They were evaluated using the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ) and Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ) before intervention, on the 8th session, after treatment, and a two-month follow-up. Repeated-measures ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis. 

There was a significant time × intervention effect for all fifteen EMSs (P< 0.05) and three OBs (P< 0.05); however, significant time × condition interaction has been seen for responsibility/threat estimation belief (P< 0.05) and abandonment, defectiveness/shame, enmeshment/undeveloped self, insufficient self-control/self-discipline, mistrust/abuse, subjugation, and social isolation/alienation, and unrelenting standards schemas (P< 0.05). We found no significant difference between treatment groups in EMSs and OBs. 

The results showed that both treatment plans are effective in the reduction of obsessive beliefs and early maladaptive schemas; however, adding neurofeedback to standard therapy has not resulted in significant differences in reducing obsessive beliefs and early maladaptive schemas in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.