Case Examples of Enhancing Pediatric OCD Treatment With a Smartphone Application

Abstract

These case examples depict the use of a smartphone application, Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach, to enhance the treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The presented cases highlight the use of Anxiety Coach as a stand-alone intervention for mild OCD symptoms and as an adjunct to treatment for severe OCD complicated by geographical barriers. Each case includes a description of treatment, patient use of the application, objective assessment of clinical symptoms, and a qualitative interview with the families. Both patients responded well to treatment and had a positive experience with Anxiety Coach. The application encouraged the families to complete exposures between sessions and allowed a detailed examination of the patients’ engagement in homework assignments. Potential uses of smartphone applications to address challenges facing treatment of, and research on, OCD are discussed.