Introduction and Objective: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition that often proves resistant to standard treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy. This study investigated the effectiveness of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) in reducing OCD symptoms. Given the limitations of pharmacological interventions, non-invasive neuromodulation represents a promising alternative targeting neuroinflammation.
Research Methodology: The research employed a qusi-experimental pre-test/post-test design with a control group. Thirty patients diagnosed with OCD based on DSM-5 criteria were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group received ten sessions of laser intervention (wavelength: 810 nm , 20 minutes per session) over five weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).
Findings: The findings revealed a significant reduction in OCD symptoms in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, F = 56.72, η2 = 0.76). The results indicate that t-PBM is an effective and safe intervention, likely functioning through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and enhanced neuroplasticity.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that transcranial photobiomodulation laser therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective intervention for reducing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This method likely operates through mechanisms such as reducing neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial metabolism, and enhancing neuroplasticity. Given these promising results, it is recommended that this intervention be considered as a complementary treatment alongside pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches for patients with OCD, particularly in cases resistant to standard treatments.