Double-exposure therapy: videotape homework as a psychotherapeutic adjunct

Despite widespread popularity of videotapes, it is little used in psychiatric treatment. Video is frequently used in training and supervision and it is in this context that I began to suggest that patients watch the tapes at home. The response was enthusiastic, but I discovered that very few clinicians use this technique, therefore, I decided to do a pilot study and present it to the professional community. A nine-item questionnaire about success in treatment and response to the tapes was mailed to 88 outpatients who had watched their tapes. Patients with psychosis, or those in acute crisis, were excluded from the study. As a control, a modified questionnaire was sent to 49 outpatients seen previous to the use of videotape. Ninety-four percent of the study group and 60 percent of the control group responded. The tape group self-rated "success in treatment" was significantly greater; 6.8 (scale 1-10) compared to 5.04 for the control. The most striking findings were comments relating to the use of video homework. Eighty-three percent of the patients found the tapes helpful; one thought it harmful. Objectivity, insight, and memory aid were frequently cited as advantages. Further study is warranted.