Bergen Four-Day Treatment (B4DT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Bergen Four-Day Treatment (B4DT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The aim of this study is to expand access to Bergen Four-Day Treatment (B4DT) in Finland and to integrate it into psychiatric care pathways at Tampere University Hospital (TAYS). A Bergen team has been established within TAYS Psychiatry and has been trained in collaboration with the B4DT team from HUS and the Norwegian developers. The objective of this study is to enhance understanding of the model's adaptability to the Finnish healthcare system, evaluate healthcare professionals' attitudes toward the intervention, and assess treatment outcomes.

The aim is to recruit approximately 35 patients for the study. Patients will be recruited from a minimum of three groups (15 patients) and up to a maximum of six groups (35 patients). The criteria for admission to B4DT and for participation in the study are identical. The treatment and the study may include patients receiving specialized psychiatric care at Tampere University Hospital who have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and who experience significant impairment due to their symptoms. In addition, personnel from TAYS Psychiatry who recommend and refer patients for B4DT will be recruited for the study. The estimated number of participating staff members is approximately 30.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder
• willingness to participate in exposure-based treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• intellectual disability
• autism spectrum disorder that precludes engagement in psychotherapeutic work
• a psychotic disorder with current psychotic symptoms
• underweight or very rapid weight loss affecting cognition
• severe suicidality
• substance dependence
• benzodiazepine medication (use of Z-drugs as sleep medication is permitted)
• In addition, ongoing psychotherapy may prevent participating in the B4DT.