Predicting Treatment Outcomes From Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) is a promising treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Predictors of ICBT outcomes for OCD are understudied compared to in-person CBT.
• Identifying predictors can optimize treatment allocation and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate predictors of treatment outcome in an open trial of ICBT for OCD.
• To identify factors associated with poorer outcomes in ICBT for OCD.

Main Methods:

• An open trial of ICBT for OCD was conducted using the OCD-NET platform (10 online modules with therapist support).
• Thirty patients with OCD were assessed at baseline and posttreatment.
• The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) was the primary outcome measure, administered by independent raters.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline OCD severity was associated with poorer end-state OCD symptoms.
• Increased OCD-related avoidance behaviors predicted worse treatment outcomes.
• Prior history of face-to-face CBT for OCD correlated with poorer ICBT outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Baseline OCD severity, avoidance behaviors, and previous face-to-face CBT may predict poorer outcomes in ICBT for OCD.
• These findings require replication but could help identify at-risk individuals.
• Further research is needed to refine predictors for personalized ICBT interventions.