Can Brief, Daily Training Using a Mobile App Help Change Maladaptive Beliefs? Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
• Cognitive behavioral models posit that OCD stems from misinterpreting intrusive experiences and employing maladaptive coping strategies.
• OCD is exacerbated by maladaptive beliefs such as inflated responsibility, thought control, perfectionism, and intolerance of uncertainty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel cognitive training mobile application (GGRO) designed to challenge OCD-related beliefs.
• To assess the impact of GGRO on maladaptive beliefs, mood, and OCD symptoms using a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• 97 students were randomized into immediate-use (iApp) or delayed-use (dApp) groups for the GGRO app.
• Participants completed web-based assessments at baseline, 15 days, and 30 days.
• The iApp group used the app for 15 days, followed by a washout period, while the dApp group initiated use after 15 days.

Main Results:

• App usage, averaging 14.07 days, was associated with medium-to-large effect size reductions in OCD beliefs and symptoms for both groups.
• In the immediate-use group, symptom improvements remained significant throughout the 15-day follow-up period.
• Significant treatment-by-repeated measures interactions were observed for maladaptive beliefs, OCD symptoms, and self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• The GGRO mobile application is an effective digital intervention for reducing OCD-related beliefs and symptoms.
• This study supports the utility of mHealth apps based on cognitive-behavioral principles for managing psychopathological symptoms.
• GGRO offers a promising, accessible tool for individuals seeking to manage OCD.