OCD? There’s an app for that.

A therapist has created an unusual tool for helping those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): an app. Dr. Kristen Mulcahy, a therapist specializing in OCD, uses a method called Exposure Response Therapy to help her patients. This therapy helps patients practice resisting their compulsions for increasing intervals of time. So for the person who is a compulsive hand-washer, he or she might be tasked to practice washing hands once then waiting a set amount of time before washing again.

The App: Live OCD Free

“I know the treatment works,” Mulcahy said. “The challenging part is getting people to engage with it on a regular basis.” The app is called Live OCD Free and retails for $79.99. It works for adults and children with OCD.

Patients enter a schedule for practicing tasks that cause them anxiety. They enter their anticipated level of anxiety while performing the task. The app will remind the patient to practice the task. At the time, the person will perform the task and can watch a countdown to the target wait time. After the time period ends and if they have resisted the activity, they enter their level of anxiety.

Practicing resistance

Practicing resistance to compulsions is known to help reduce anxiety and the compulsive behavior. With the app, when a person has mastered waiting the specified period without experiencing significant anxiety, the program recalibrates and offers a harder task.

Also included on the app are coping tools in case of anxiety, relaxation and mediation recordings. Therapists can interact with the app to see how their patients are doing. The app travels with the patient and can help when a therapist is unavailable.

Source: Mashable Lifestyle