OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER AND MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW AND CLINICAL REFLECTION

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous, often chronic disorder characterized by intrusive and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both, leading to significant distress and impairment. Nowadays, the gold standard for the treatment of OCD is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), often alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors pharmacotherapy. However, despite their demonstrated efficacy, both interventions present several limitations. Methods: The present thesis is based on a narrative review of the literature focusing on the application of MBCT in OCD. Relevant scientific articles and theoretical contributions were examined, with preference given to more recent and highly cited studies. Literature was identified through commonly used academic databases. Chapter 1 will provide an overview of OCD, including clinical features, epidemiology, and explanatory models. Chapter 2 will examine current treatment approaches and finally, Chapter 3 will focus on MBCT applied to OCD, with an emphasis on its theoretical basis, clinical adaptations, and evidence of effectiveness. Results and conclusion: In recent years, MBCT has attracted growing interest as an intervention for OCD. Emerging evidence suggests that MBCT may have a significant effect in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and related processes. Available evidence indicates that MBCT appears to be a potentially effective and well-tolerated treatment for OCD, both in conjunction with standard approaches and as stand-alone therapy, especially in cases of mild-to-moderate severity and for patients who have not benefited from standard treatments. Further research, including randomized controlled trials directly comparing MBCT with standard treatments and evaluating it as a stand-alone intervention, is needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify its mechanisms of action.