Online computer-aided vicarious exposure for OCD symptoms: A pilot study.
Allison J Matthews1, Rosie Maunder1, Joel D Scanlan2
1School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|June 17, 2016
Summary
An online Computer-Aided Vicarious Exposure (CAVE) program showed promising results for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Participants using CAVE experienced significant symptom improvement compared to a waitlist control group.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Virtual Reality Therapy
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment can be challenging for some individuals.
- Computer-aided vicarious exposure (CAVE) utilizes virtual reality for exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot an online CAVE program for individuals with high OCD symptomatology.
- To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of virtual reality-based OCD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-eight participants were randomized to an intervention group (online CAVE) or a waitlist control.
- The intervention group completed three 45-minute CAVE sessions weekly for four weeks.
Main Results:
- Participants completing at least one CAVE session showed significant OCD symptom improvement at one-month follow-up.
- Effect sizes for improvement ranged from d = 0.49 to 0.81, compared to d = 0.01 to 0.1 for the waitlist group.
- Factors like older age, prior treatment, and higher symptom severity were linked to lower adherence.
Conclusions:
- Online CAVE programs show potential for treating OCD, particularly for those hesitant towards traditional exposure therapy.
- Further research and development are warranted to optimize this virtual reality intervention.
- CAVE may serve as an adjunct to existing face-to-face or online cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD.
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