Open Access Repository

Online computer-aided vicarious exposure for OCD symptoms: A pilot study

Matthews, AJ ORCID: 0000-0003-2961-9125, Maunder, R, Scanlan, JD ORCID: 0000-0003-2285-8932 and Kirkby, KC ORCID: 0000-0002-4730-1199 2017 , 'Online computer-aided vicarious exposure for OCD symptoms: A pilot study' , The Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, vol. 54 , pp. 25-34 , doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.06.002.

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Computer-aided vicarious exposure (CAVE) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an intervention in which participants learn and rehearse exposure with response prevention (ERP) by directing a character around a virtual world. This study aimed to pilot an online CAVE program for OCD in a community sample with high OCD symptomatology.Methods: Participants (n = 78) were allocated to an intervention group (three 45-min weekly CAVE sessions) or to a waitlist control group. The treatment group were asked to complete three 45-min sessions over a four week period.Results: Those who completed at least one CAVE session showed greater improvement on measures of OCD symptomatology at one-month post-treatment (d = 0.49–0.81) compared to waitlist (d = 0.01–0.1). Older age, past treatment and higher symptom severity were associated with non-adherence.Limitations: These findings should be considered preliminary due to sample size limitations and an absence of an active control group. However, the findings suggest that further development and evaluation of the program is warranted.Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that online CAVE programs have potential to bridge treatment gaps among those reluctant to attend treatment or engage with in vivo exposure exercises. These programs may also have potential applications as an adjunct to face-to-face or online cognitive behavioural therapy.

Item Type: Article
Authors/Creators:Matthews, AJ and Maunder, R and Scanlan, JD and Kirkby, KC
Keywords: OCD, Online intervention, Behaviour therapy, Exposure treatment
Journal or Publication Title: The Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
Publisher: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd
ISSN: 0005-7916
DOI / ID Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.06.002
Copyright Information:

© 2016 Elsevier

Related URLs:
Item Statistics: View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page Item Control Page
TOP