Schema therapy for patients with Symptoms Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): A single case series study

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of mental occupation with order, finalization and individual and interpersonal mental control. These traits lead to a loss of flexibility and openness Research background shows that the dominant therapies in the treatment of this disorder have led to a reduction in anxiety and depression rather than symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. One of the new approaches in explaining and treating personality problems, including OCPD, is the therapeutic schema, which treats personality problems by distinguishing between early maladaptive schemas and coping styles.

This study assesses the assumption that early maladaptive schema therapy is an effective way to change obsessive–compulsive personality disorder.

In this study, a single case experimental design of multiple asynchronous baselines with different subjects was used. For this purpose, three patients with OCPD were purposefully selected from the clients of the Psychological Center in 2019-2020. The instruments used in this study were SCID-5-PD (2016), Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-III) (1990), early maladaptive schemas questionnaire (2006), obsessive–compulsive personality disorder questionnaire (OCPDQ) (2004) and individual protocol of Yang’s schema therapy (2003). The effect of conducted interventions was measured with the help of visual inspection, reliable change index (RCT), percentage of improvement formula, significant clinical improvement and operational assessment with one, three and six month fallow ups.

The obtained data showed that the reduction of clinical symptoms and modification of early maladaptive schemas in patients with OCPD are statistically (P <0.05), clinically and operationally significant.

Results indicated that schema therapy with emphasizing on cognitive, experimental and therapeutic relationship techniques can be effective on decreasing schemes dominant in patients with obsessive–compulsive personality disorder.