The Acceptability of Internet-Based Treatment and Characteristics of an Adult Sample with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An Internet Survey

Abstract

BackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling anxiety disorder, but most individuals delay seeking treatment. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is an innovative service delivery method that may help to improve access to care, but the acceptability to consumers of such programs has not yet been established.MethodologyPeople with symptoms of OCD were invited to complete an online survey enquiring about demographic characteristics, symptom severity, and acceptability of Internet-based treatment. Demographic and symptom severity data were compared with people with OCD identified in a national epidemiological survey and with a sample of patients with OCD from a specialist outpatient anxiety clinic.Participants129 volunteers to an online Internet survey, 135 patients at a specialist anxiety disorders outpatient clinic, and 297 cases identified in a national epidemiological survey.Main MeasuresDemographic characteristics, and severity of symptoms as measured by the Kessler 10-Item scale, the 12-item World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule - Second Edition and the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale - Self Report Version.Principal FindingsThe Internet sample was similar demographically but reported more severe symptoms than the comparison groups, although had similar severity of symptoms of OCD compared with other clinical samples reported in the literature. Participants reported Internet-based treatment for OCD would be highly acceptable.ConclusionsInternet-based treatment may reduce barriers to accessing treatment to people with OCD. Individuals in this study were similar demographically to other samples and had similar severity of symptoms as those identified in other clinical samples, suggesting that Internet-based treatment using techniques employed in face-to-face treatment may be effective in this group. Internet-based treatments for OCD need to be developed and evaluated.

Effectiveness of Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Regular Clinical Settings

“…When it comes to patient attitudes data is not consistent and potentially there are differences between countries and settings, with some studies showing more positive attitudes Wootton et al, 2011] than others [Mohr et al, 2010]. A sixth important point is the role of healthcare regulation and reimbursement issues that are instrumental when implementing ICBT in clinical practice.…”

Do Patients Prefer Face-to-Face or Internet-Based Therapy?

“…Also, a survey of primary health care patients showed that 92% were interested in face-to-face interventions, but only 48% in Internet treatment [6]. However, two surveys reported contrasting results [7,8]. For instance, Wootton et al [7] found that only 10% of individuals with high levels of obsessive-compulsive symptoms would prefer face-to-face treatment to online therapy.…”

“…However, two surveys reported contrasting results [7,8]. For instance, Wootton et al [7] found that only 10% of individuals with high levels of obsessive-compulsive symptoms would prefer face-to-face treatment to online therapy. These surveys involved self-selected samples in that they comprised individuals not necessarily seeking treatment who were accessing an online clinic website (www.virtualclinic.org.au).…”

Help-seeking characteristics of Chinese- and English-speaking Australians accessing Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for depression

“…However, almost half of the Internet sample indicated they had not received previous treatment for PTSD due to reasons such as lack of money, lack of response to previous treatment, and not perceiving their difficulties as severe enough for treatment. A similar study found that an Internet survey sample had comparable obsessivecompulsive disorder symptom severity to an outpatient clinic sample [35]. The Internet sample reported reduced time and costs, privacy and anonymity as the main advantages of accessing Internet treatments.…”