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
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