Reasons for utilization of remote low intensity treatment for obsessive­-compulsive-disorde

Background: A growing number of studies are demonstrating the efficacy of remote treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Remote cognitive­-behavioral interventions aim to overcome barriers and increase access to evidence-­based treatment for patients who would not otherwise have access to treatment. However, there is currently little data that investigates why patients are attracted to this mode of treatment delivery.

Method: The present study reports data on the reasons for utilization of remote treatment using the data of 144 individuals who took part in a remote treatment study for OCD. During the online application process patients were asked two questions about their reasons for accessing the remote treatment for OCD; 1) Why did you choose to apply for Internet treatment? 2) Seeing that you are now seeking help, why didn't you get more help from health professionals in the past?

Results: Results indicated that the primary reasons for choosing remote treatment were related to convenience, including that there is no need to travel to appointments (54.9%) and that less time is required (47.9%). Other prominent reasons included privacy and anonymity (35.4%) and the reduced costs involved (37.5%). Primary reasons for not seeking help in the past included a preference for managing one’s own symptoms (29.9%), not thinking anything more would help (22.9%) and not being able to afford the cost of treatment (13.2%).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the convenience and increased privacy and anonymity of remote treatments is appealing to individuals with OCD. In addition, a large proportion of individuals seeking treatment for OCD prefer to manage their own symptoms and, at least as a first step, may be unlikely to seek face­-to­-face treatment. These findings have important implications for treatment delivery and indicate the value of ensuring a variety of treatment options available, which overcome common barriers to treatment. Remote treatments have considerable promise in addressing such barriers and increasing access to care.