A Narrative Literature Review of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in comparison to In-Person Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Traditionally intervention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), however with growing need for larger access to therapy, in-person therapy has been limited to geographical and logistical barriers. Internet – Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) addresses these concerns therefore offering a more affordable and accessible option. In the last two decades, there have been pilot studies and randomized control trials to see the efficacy of ICBT. The studies have either focused mainly on Anxiety or Depression disorders, and not much on Obsessive Compulsive disorders. The aim of this research is to evaluate the available literature that assess the efficacy of Internet – Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) on Obsessive- Compulsive Disorders. Research studies from recognized databases and related psychological research journals were selected specifically from the last decade. The overall result of the review states that ICBT has satisfactory efficacy as an intervention for OCD, when studied against in-person therapy. While, ICBT has seen randomized control trials and pilot trials, there is a need for studies with larger sample sizes. Special focus should be given to specific populations with differing demographic identities such as elder adults, co-morbid population. There is an increasing demand for research on the efficacy of ICBT for Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders (OCRD), share many overlapping features with OCD but also possess distinct diagnostic criteria and therapeutic needs that warrant their own directed research.