Title: Efficacy of Telehealth Parent Training in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for Children with OCD
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1009735
Keywords: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Child Psychiatry, Adolescent Mental Health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Parental Involvement, Telehealth
Abstract:
A recent study investigates the effectiveness of training parents through telehealth in delivering Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for children and adolescents diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Conducted with a rigorous single case series and non-concurrent multiple baseline design, this research offers promising insights into mental health interventions that leverage technology for improved child care.
Introduction:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a common mental health condition among children and adolescents, characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). As traditional in-person therapy options can be limiting, especially in remote or underserved areas, this study explores an innovative approach — telehealth. By training parents via videoconferencing, researchers aim to empower caregivers, enhancing their ability to implement therapeutic strategies at home.
Methodology:
The study involved nine participants aged 8 to 14 who received a primary diagnosis of OCD. Utilizing a series of AB replications, participants were assigned to a 2-week (n = 4) or 3-week (n = 5) baseline condition after undergoing preliminary assessments. Weekly monitoring of OCD symptoms was conducted, followed by four weekly telehealth training modules for parents. These sessions focused on a FAST (Families Accessing Skills Training) model combining cognitive-behavioral therapy with ERP. Key metrics, including symptom severity, diagnostic ratings, and global functioning, were evaluated post-treatment and during a two-month follow-up.
Results:
The baseline data indicated stability with no significant changes in OCD symptom ratings across participants during the initial weeks, affirming the methodological rigor of the study. Following the telehealth training, significant improvements were documented across all primary outcomes; clinician-assessed symptom severity, diagnostic ratings, and global functioning showed marked enhancement from baseline scores to post-treatment assessments, with these gains persisting at the two-month follow-up.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the potential of brief, parent-focused training in FAST CBT-ERP delivered via telehealth. This method emerges as a viable intervention for children and adolescents experiencing mild to moderate OCD. By facilitating effective home-based treatment, this approach not only promotes accessibility to mental health resources but also empowers parents as integral agents in the therapeutic process. Given the increasing reliance on digital health solutions, such strategies could play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of child and adolescent mental health care. Future research could further explore the long-term effects of these interventions and their applicability across diverse populations.
