Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for OCD: A Pilot Study
Author Information
Author(s): Andersson Erik, Ljótsson Brjánn, Hedman Erik, Kaldo Viktor, Paxling Björn, Andersson Gerhard, Lindefors Nils, Rück Christian
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Hypothesis
Can internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) with therapist support effectively reduce symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Conclusion
ICBT with therapist support reduces OCD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and improves general functioning.
Supporting Evidence
- 61% of participants had a clinically significant improvement after treatment.
- 43% no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of OCD after treatment.
- The treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in self-rated OCD symptoms, general functioning, and depression.
Takeaway
This study shows that people with OCD can get better by using online therapy with a therapist's help, making it easier for them to access treatment.
Methodology
Participants received a 15-week ICBT program with therapist support, including psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and exposure with response prevention.
Potential Biases
The study may have a bias due to the high motivation of self-referred participants and the limited generalizability of results from a single therapist.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size, lacked randomization, and did not include long-term follow-up data.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"women":15,"men":8},"mean_age":39,"occupational_status":{"working_full_time":17,"student":2,"full_time_sick_leave":1,"unemployed":2,"pensioner":1},"education":{"high_school":8,"university_less_than_3_years":2,"university_3_years_or_more":12,"PhD":1}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
(0.88 - 2.19)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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