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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research article

Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder: A pilot study

Authors: Erik Andersson, Brjánn Ljótsson, Erik Hedman, Viktor Kaldo, Björn Paxling, Gerhard Andersson, Nils Lindefors, Christian Rück

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as an effective treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but access to CBT therapists is limited. Internet-based CBT (ICBT) with therapist support is a way to increase access to CBT but has not been developed or tested for OCD. The aim of this study was to evaluate ICBT for OCD.

Method

An open trial where patients (N = 23) received a 15-week ICBT program with therapist support consisting of psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring and exposure with response prevention. The primary outcome was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), which was assessed by a psychiatrist before and immediately after treatment. Secondary outcomes were self-rated measures of OCD symptoms, depressive symptoms, general functioning, anxiety and quality of life. All assessments were made at baseline and post-treatment.

Results

All participants completed the primary outcome measure at all assessment points. There were reductions in OCD symptoms with a large within-group effect size (Cohen's d = 1.56). At post-treatment, 61% of participants had a clinically significant improvement and 43% no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of OCD. The treatment also resulted in statistically significant improvements in self-rated OCD symptoms, general functioning and depression.

Conclusions

ICBT with therapist support reduces OCD symptoms, depressive symptoms and improves general functioning. Randomized trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this new treatment format.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01348529
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder: A pilot study
Authors
Erik Andersson
Brjánn Ljótsson
Erik Hedman
Viktor Kaldo
Björn Paxling
Gerhard Andersson
Nils Lindefors
Christian Rück
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-125

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