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Technology-based CBT in Reducing Symptoms of OCD in Children: A Systematic Review

Francine Samson1, Barbara Tafuto1, Nadina Jose1

  • 1Rutgers University, School of Health Professions, 65 Bergen St. Newark NJ, 07107.United States.

Journal of Public Health Issues and Practices
|March 31, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Technology-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively treats childhood Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), offering a viable alternative when in-person sessions are limited. This method is comparable in efficacy to traditional CBT, improving accessibility for young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health
  • Behavioral Therapy

Background:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects up to 3% of children and adolescents in the U.S.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment for mild to moderate childhood OCD.
  • Limited clinician use of CBT and pandemic-related access issues highlight the need for alternative treatment delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the efficacy of technology-based CBT for childhood OCD.
  • To compare the effectiveness of technology-based CBT with traditional CBT methods.

Main Methods:

  • An evidence-based literature search was conducted using keywords related to OCD, internet, CBT, and children.
  • Seven studies with 254 subjects evaluating four different technology-based CBT programs were included.
  • Data were analyzed to assess symptom severity reduction and treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Technology-based CBT significantly reduced OCD symptom severity, as measured by the Children Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale.
  • The effectiveness of technology-based CBT was found to be non-inferior to traditional face-to-face CBT.
  • Statistically significant improvements were observed in participants undergoing technology-based CBT.

Conclusions:

  • Technology-based CBT is an effective treatment for children and adolescents with OCD, particularly when in-person therapy access is restricted.
  • Further research is necessary to explore the impact of technology-based CBT on daily life and its effectiveness for severe OCD cases.
  • This approach enhances treatment accessibility during geographical or global challenges.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdolescentsCOVID-19ChildCognitive Behavior TherapyInternetObsessive-Compulsive DisorderTechnologyVideo-Conferencing

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