Effectiveness, Efficacy, and Feasibility of a Therapist-Aided App for Exposure and Response Prevention: A Parallel-Group, Pilot Randomized Control Trial

Context & Background

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective cognitive behavioral therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, patients struggle to access therapist-led ERP sessions due to high costs and clinician shortages. Therapist-aided digital apps can guide patients through therapy sessions remotely.

Problems to be Addressed

Most self-guided mental health apps suffer from low engagement and high dropout rates. Without clinician monitoring and real-time support, patients struggle to execute anxiety exposure exercises effectively.

Aims and Objectives

1. Evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a therapist-aided ERP app.
2. Measure patient engagement and treatment adherence via app metrics.
3. Conduct a parallel-group randomized control trial.

Methodology

A cohort of OCD patients is randomized into two groups (app-aided therapy vs. traditional therapy). The app guides patients through personalized exposure tasks, tracking anxiety logs in real-time. Clinicians review patient progress dashboards weekly, providing feedback via chat.

Expected Outcomes

A clinically validated ERP application, data models predicting therapy dropout risk, and research journals detailing ERP feasibility in India.