Developing a computerised CBT programme for adults with OCD

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Developing a computerised CBT programme for adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • IRAS ID

    148700

  • Contact name

    David Veale

  • Contact email

    david.veale@kcl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    South London and Maudsley NHS Trust

  • Research summary

    Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) including exposure and response prevention is the current recommended treatment for all patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines (NICE).
    Computerised CBT (cCBT) is classified as a self-administered form of self-help. There is a strong evidence base supporting computerised CBT for depression. However, there is limited evidence for self-help in OCD.
    Studies on cCBT administered as an intervention for other mental disorders suggest it can be a preferred medium of therapy, given its anonymity and convenience to use at any time.
    For cCBT in OCD, there is one existing self-help computer programme (OC-Fighter) that was developed around 1 years ago.
    Two randomised controlled trials and three open trials have considered the effectiveness of OC-Fighter, and indicate it is successful in reducing OCD symptomatology. However, existing research is limited by subject, attrition, and reporting bias as well as not considering longitudinal outcomes. OC-Fighter, is also now considered out-dated and less engaging than modern computer technology. The programme is therefore not recommended by NICE.
    An updated, and evaluated version of OC-Fighter could be expensive to PCTs, and it is limited by not including cognitive therapy components that are known to increase patient engagement.
    A new, and improved computerised CBT programme for OCD patients would be useful in further reducing the need for therapist delivered CBT, and increasing the self-help capabilities of OCD patients.
    A cost-effective 12 week cCBT programme for OCD will be piloted in a case series drawn from IAPT outpatients. The programme will then be fine-tuned and evaluated.

  • REC name

    London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    14/LO/0678

  • Date of REC Opinion

    13 Jun 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion