Telehealth-Delivered Mindfulness-Based Exposure and Response Prevention for Sexual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Comorbid Depression: Feasibility and Clinical Outcomes

Sexual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (S-OCD), when comorbid with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), presents significant treatment challenges due to heightened distress, avoidance behaviors, and cognitive inflexibility. While Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) remains the gold standard for OCD, its efficacy in S-OCD cases complicated by MDD is less established. This case-series study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of Telehealth-delivered Mindfulness-Based Exposure and Response Prevention (Telehealth-delivered MB-EX/RP) in treating individuals with S-OCD and comorbid MDD. Five participants underwent 17 bi-weekly therapy sessions delivered via a digital platform. Standardized assessments of OCD severity, depressive symptoms, obsessive beliefs, mindfulness, and mental well-being were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and a four-month follow-up. Results demonstrated significant reductions in S-OCD and depressive symptoms, along with sustained improvements in mindfulness and well-being. The digital format facilitated accessibility and engagement, suggesting that Telehealth-delivered MB-EX/RP is a viable intervention for individuals with S-OCD and comorbid MDD. Findings highlight the potential of mindfulness-enhanced digital interventions in addressing complex OCD presentations, warranting further investigation in larger clinical trials.