Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Residual Symptoms in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a Qualitative Analysis

Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have residual symptoms after undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Mindfulness meditation techniques may help alleviate these residual symptoms. This study qualitatively evaluates the acceptability and perceived benefit of a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention tailored to individuals with OCD who continue to suffer symptoms following CBT. A sample of 32 participants (which included seven pilot phase participants) with a principal diagnosis of OCD completed an 8-week MCBT intervention and were interviewed approximately 2 weeks post-intervention. The satisfaction interviews consisted of 21 questions that assessed treatment outcomes and treatment acceptability. An inductive thematic approach was used to identify, analyze, and describe overall patterns and themes (i.e., codes) within the participant responses. We identified 64 (+6 miscellaneous) data-generated codes and a total of eight (+1 miscealleous) key themes that encompassed participants’ reported treatment outcomes. Participants verbally reported a decrease in perceived OCD symptoms, an increase in mindfulness and coping skills, high treatment acceptability, and overall quality of life improvement after undergoing the MBCT intervention. Our results provide a detailed description of participants’ perspectives regarding the efficacy and acceptability of MBCT for OCD and support for the perceived benefit of MBCT as an augmentative strategy following CBT to optimize treatment outcomes for individuals with OCD.