Self-directed in vivo treatment of an obsessive compulsive checking ritual

The treatment of obsessive compulsions by information feedback: A new application of a standard behavioral procedure.

“…Perhaps the most important areas for future research involve the consequences of multiple treatment interactions and the long-term effects of information feedback. First, although the research of Kazarian and Evans (1977), Leitenburg et al (1975), andMehamed andSiegal (1975), point out some advantages, such as behavioral and temporal generalization in a combined treatment strategy, the present results suggest some caution; in some contexts therapy may interfere with the mechanisms of information feedback. Covert sensitization and selfmonitoring may often be incompatible when combined in certain ways.…”

“…In the face of difficulty in producing long term, generalized treatment success, recent studies have attempted multiple treatment therapies {e.g., Kazarian & Evans, 1977;Melamed & Siegal, 1975) with promising results. However, most studies of obsessions and compulsions have been case reports plagued by multiple treatment confounds.…”

“…Recent research {e.g., Kazdin, 1974;Zimmerman & Levitt, 1975) suggests that information feedback itself may be reactive and have therapeutic import in a number of contexts. Kazarian & Evans (1977) and Melamed & Siegal (1975) note that the information feedback components of their therapies may have had beneficial effects on the obsessive compulsive behaviors they studied. The present study attempts to demonstrate that simple information feedback, in the context of a behavioral contract, may be an efficient technique for eliminating obsessive compulsive behaviors.…”

Realistic dependent measures for clinical use.

“…For example, obsessivecompulsive patients with washing rituals were asked to self-record the duration of washing and cleaning behaviors (Foa, Steketee, & Milby, 1980). Also, a man with an obsessive-compulsive checking ritual was asked to self-record the duration of ritualistic checking episodes (Melamed & Siegel, 1975).…”

The multiple techniques approach to behavioural psychotherapy: A retrospective evaluation of effectiveness and an examination of prognostic indicators

“…stems largely from the demands of the clinical situation. In a clinical setting patients often present with several complex problems and a flexible treatment programme having many facets is necessary to deal with them (Mahoney, 1971;Rehm & Rozensky, 1974;Melamed & Siegel, 1975). Such programmes are often directed towards modifying 'systems ' of psychological functioning (social, marital, sexual), rather than towards tackling isolated 'symptoms '.…”