Cognitive Training Via mHealth for Addressing OCD-related Beliefs in Adolescents: A Randomized Pilot Study

Adolescence is a critical period for developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, highlighting the need for preventive strategies. GGOC-AD is a newly adapted module for adolescents within the OCD.app mobile platform, aimed at addressing maladaptive beliefs. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, usability, and preliminary efficacy of GGOC-AD in the adolescent general population. A parallel two-arm pilot trial was conducted with 36 students (55.6% male; M_age = 16.25, SD = 0.5), of which 18 were assigned to the experimental group (using the GGOC-AD app, 14 days) and 18 to the control group (using the neutral GGN-AD app, 14 days). Participants from the experimental group were assessed after using the app for study feasibility, acceptability, and usability through self-reports and an ad-hoc interview. Furthermore, all participants were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention for OCD-related maladaptive beliefs, OC and emotional symptoms, and self-esteem. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed.The study concluded that the protocol used was feasible. Participants who used the GGOC-AD app rated it as both acceptable and usable. The preliminary efficacy results of GGOC-AD did not reveal a significant intervention effect on OC symptoms, maladaptive beliefs, emotional symptoms, or self-esteem. These findings provide valuable data for optimizing the study protocol and designing a future randomized controlled trial. This pilot study is an essential step given the critical role of usability and acceptability in driving engagement with mHealth interventions.