Remote Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder in Egypt: A Randomized Trial

Introduction Recently, cognitive behavior therapy has gone from being a promising new treatment to the most well established psychological treatment. In several hundreds of randomized controlled trials, it has shown effectiveness in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. In addition, CBT is thus a highly promising treatment from a societal cost-effectiveness perspective. Objectives Several forms of CBT have been developed using remote communication methods, the general idea is that CBT delivered through the Internet or using telephone communication reflects the content of conventional CBT, but is administered as a form of therapist-guided treatment protocol. Aims Estimation of applicability and efficacy of remote cognitive behavior therapy for treating patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder in Egypt. Methods A group of patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder was randomized into two groups; one received CBT as usual and the intervention group received CBT using telephone and/or the Internet. Both groups were assessed pre– and post treatment using the Yale Brown Scale for OCD symptom severity and Beck depression inventory for symptoms of associated depression. The quality of life scale was also applied to all patients participating in the study. Results Pre– and post-study measures indicated a statistical and clinically relevant change in patients of two groups. Conclusions Delivering CBT for patients suffering from OCD in Egypt using remote communication methods appears to be effective in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life. Yet some adaptations to the standardized treatment protocol are mandated to render the protocol applicable through remote communication and enhancing cultural reception.