Case Examples of Enhancing Pediatric OCD Treatment With a Smartphone Application. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whiteside, Stephen P. H.; Ale, Chelsea M.; Vickers Douglas, Kristin; Tiede, Michael S.; Dammann, Julie E.
• Other Names: McKay Dean guest-editor.; Storch Eric A. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical case studies. Volume 13:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: obsessive-compulsive disorder -- child and adolescent -- information and communication technology -- exposure/response prevention -- smartphone applications; Psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.89140722
• DOI: 10.1177/1534650113504822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-6501

Abstract

These case examples depict the use of a smartphone application, Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach, to enhance the treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The presented cases highlight the use of Anxiety Coach as a stand-alone intervention for mild OCD symptoms and as an adjunct to treatment for severe OCD complicated by geographical barriers. Each case includes a description of treatment, patient use of the application, objective assessment of clinical symptoms, and a qualitative interview with the families. Both patients responded well to treatment and had a positive experience with Anxiety Coach. The application encouraged the families to complete exposures between sessions and allowed a detailed examination of the patients' engagement in homework assignments. Potential uses of smartphone applications to address challenges facing treatment of, and research on, OCD are discussed.