Time series analysis of obsessional behavior and mood during self-imposed delay and response prevention

Time series analysis of more than a year of daily self-report of three subjects showed that self-imposed delay and response prevention was effective in decreasing obsessions and compulsions. The subject-controlled treatment had a varied effect on mood—anxiety decreased in two subjects, but depression increased in one. (A similar worsening of mood after elimination of obsessional behavior was found in a previous case study.) Apparently, successful treatment of obsessional behavior will not necessarily lead to an improvement in mood. Concurrent mood symptoms need to be targeted separately; and, plans should be made to deal with mood symptoms that may occur once obsessional behavior is removed.