A review of tech-based self-help treatment programs for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2019Source: Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related DisordersAuthor(s): Eric B. Lee, Cherie Hoepfl, Cali Werner, Elizabeth McIngvaleAbstractTechnology-based self-help treatment programs for OCD have the potential to offer low to no cost treatment to those who may not have access to OCD treatment providers, to compliment on-going therapy and to assist individuals in maintaining treatment gains. To date, the quality of these programs is largely unassessed. This review examines the currently available technology-based self-help treatment programs for OCD. Search results from Google.com, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store were reviewed, with 15 programs included in the final review. Research support for the programs was generally nonexistent or very limited. Seven of the programs were deemed empirically-based, despite little to no research support, due to incorporating quality psychoeducation and exposure and response prevention (ERP) elements. The unique strengths of each of these programs are reviewed. The eight non-empirically-based programs varied in quality and function, but many included potentially useful components. Directions and considerations for future tech-based treatment programs are discussed.
Source: Journal of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research