title: A pilot randomized controlled trial of videoconference-assisted treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
abstract: Evidence-based exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not always easily accessible. Long distances from specialist treatment and other practical or motivational difficulties can interfere with ERP access and outcome. Delivery of ERP through telepsychology can help "fill the gap". The current study included 30 patients with OCD who were randomized to 12 weeks of either videoconference-assisted ERP (VCT; N = 10), self-help ERP (S-H, N = 10), or a wait-list condition (W-L, N = 10). The VCT format included use of tablet-based videoconferencing sessions (N = 6) or studio-based videoconference (N = 4), as well as telephone calls. Patients rated the VCT format as natural and reported strong working alliances with their therapists. VCT treatment produced significantly greater reductions in obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to the two control conditions. Treatment outcomes were similar to that of regular face-to-face ERP and improvements in symptom scores remained stable at follow-up. The study indicated that ERP for OCD can be delivered efficiently with videoconferencing technology along with telephone calls. The use of such technology in psychological treatment is likely to become more common in the future and it holds promise as a method to make evidence-based treatment more accessible.
authors.affiliation: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. Electronic address: patrickv@svt.ntnu.no.
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Vogel
authors.affiliation: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; St. Olavs University Hospital, Pb 7002, 7441 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Stian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Solem
authors.affiliation: St. Olavs University Hospital, Pb 7002, 7441 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.affiliation: Oslo University Hospital, Aker, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Erna M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Moen
authors.affiliation: Sørlandet Hospital, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
authors.forename: Gunvor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Launes
authors.affiliation: Sørlandet Hospital, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
authors.forename: Åshild T
authors.initials: ÅT
authors.lastname: Håland
authors.affiliation: Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Bjarne
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Himle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D049269:Videoconferencing
keywords: CBT; ERP; OCD; Self-help; Telepsychology; Videoconference