The application of digital technologies in treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder. Systematic Review

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with emphasis on exposure and response prevention, is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but faces access barriers such as cost, patient stigmatization and the difficulty of finding well-trained therapists. The inclusion of information technologies in these treatments, either through teletherapy, virtual reality, mobile applications or internet-based interventions, seeks to overcome these barriers, in addition to providing the possibility of increasing the efficiency of treatments. The aim of this paper is to analyze the evidence reported in the scientific literature on the impact of digital technologies in cognitive behavioral treatments for OCD in adult population. We seek to understand how different types of digital technologies influence treatment outcomes and what are the benefits and limitations of each one. For this purpose, a systematic review was conducted which included 28 research papers. It is concluded that the inclusion of digital technologies can be beneficial for the treatment of OCD as they facilitate access to treatment, in addition to having the ability to enhance them and to be well accepted by patients.