Assisting relapse prevention in OCD using a novel mobile app-based intervention: A case report

Bull Menninger Clin. 2018 Fall;82(4):390-406. doi: 10.1521/bumc.2018.82.4.390.

Abstract

Mobile health apps increase the accessibility of cognitive-behavioral-based interventions before, during, or following treatment. GGOC is a mobile app designed to challenge maladaptive beliefs in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This single-case study assesses the usefulness of GGOC as a relapse prevention tool for OCD. The patient was a 26-year-old woman with severe contamination and washing/cleaning OCD symptoms (Y-BOCS = 33). GGOC was used for relapse prevention following CBT treatment. The patient completed 47 levels dedicated to OCD-relevant maladaptive beliefs. Before and after GGOC, the Y-BOCS, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R), Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ-20), and Depression subscale of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale were completed. The OBQ-20 and OCI-R scores decreased from pre- to post-GGOC. The Y-BOCS decreased from 7 pre-GGOC to 2 post-GGOC. Findings support the efficacy of GGOC as a relapse prevention tool for individuals with OCD, and its contribution to maintaining gains after CBT.

Keywords: cognitive-behavioral therapy; maladaptive beliefs; mobile health apps; obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / prevention & control
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy*
  • Secondary Prevention / instrumentation
  • Secondary Prevention / methods*