Evaluating the Efficacy of Online Psychotherapy on OCD-Related Anxiety, Emotional Distress, Symptom Reduction, and Well-being

Description

Page: 1639-1643

Bhaswati Das, Neeraj Agarwal, and Saloni (Emoneeds, RNR Emotional Well-Being Technologies LLP, Gurugram, Haryana)

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrative psychotherapy program delivered via videoconferencing in reducing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, anxiety, depression, and in improving quality of life. A pre-post study was conducted with 64 participants diagnosed with OCD, recruited through purposive sampling from 2- and 3-tier cities of India. The intervention was implemented at Emoneeds, RNR Emotional Well-Being Technologies LLP, Gurugram. Participants received 12 structured online sessions integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT with Exposure & Response Prevention), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT). Standardized tools, including the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was developed by Dr Wayne K Goodman and colleagues in 1989.The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) introduced by Hamilton in 1959, Similarly, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) developed by Hamilton in 1960, and WHOQOL-BREF created by the World Health Organization in 1996, were administered before and after the intervention. Significant reductions were observed in OCD symptoms (p = .000), anxiety (p = .000), and depression (p = .000), indicating substantial relief from emotional distress and intrusive thoughts. Quality of life improved significantly overall (p = .000), with notable gains in physical health (p = .002), psychological well-being (p = .002), and environmental domains (p = .025). However, improvements in social relationships were not statistically significant (p = .104). Integrative psychotherapy delivered online is effective in reducing OCD symptoms and comorbid distress while enhancing quality of life. The findings support tele-psychotherapy as a scalable and accessible alternative for delivering evidence-based care in resource-limited settings.