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Augmented-Reality Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Fear of Contamination in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects a substantial proportion of society and is associated with high economic burden. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many individuals do not receive evidence-based treatments due to barriers to accessibility, affordability, and scalability. Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy (ARET) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional face-to-face therapy.
Objective:
We aim to evaluate an AR-based cognitive-behavioral self-help intervention for contamination-related fear, ZeroOCD. Specifically, we will assess whether ZeroOCD reduces the severity of contamination fear at post-intervention and at the 6-month follow-up, as well as its cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness compared with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) delivered via videoconferencing and a waitlist control condition.
Methods:
A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, comparing: (1) ZeroOCD with minimal therapist guidance, (2) CBT delivered via videoconferencing, and (3) a waitlist control condition. A total of 189 participants experiencing fear of contamination will be recruited from the Dutch (n = 63), German (n = 63), and Swedish-speaking (n = 63) general population.
Results:
Recruitment and data collection began in September 2025 and are expected to continue through 2026.
Conclusions:
This study aims to improve access to evidence-based treatment for OCD by evaluating a scalable, AR-based self-help intervention with minimal therapist involvement. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07194473; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07194473
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Copyright
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