Improvement in the Neurocognitive Functions of Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Case Report

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions, in which neurocognitive features and deficits have been frequently investigated.Some studies have suggested that individuals with OCD have an increased risk of dementia.The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of OCD has been demonstrated in numerous studies; however, the applicability and effectiveness of CBT in patients with cognitive impairments remain controversial.The present case involves a patient with a chronic course of OCD accompanied by depressive symptoms who presented with neurocognitive deficits at the onset of therapy.Throughout the treatment process, the session structure was adapted to the patient's cognitive profile, and the session frequency was adjusted in consideration of the primary disorder and neurocognitive limitations.In addition to exposure and response prevention, the treatment plan incorporated behavioral activation strategies and cognitive stimulation exercises.By the end of therapy, the patient exhibited marked improvement in obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depressive features, and cognitive functioning.