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OCD Digital therapeutics: Why is OCD difficult to treat?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is notoriously difficult to treat, and medication is often only partially effective. There are several reasons why medication may not be enough to improve OCD symptoms:

  1. Complex brain mechanisms: The exact neurobiological mechanisms underlying OCD are not fully understood, but research has shown that multiple brain regions and neurotransmitter systems are involved. This complexity makes it difficult to find a medication that can target all of the underlying mechanisms effectively.
  2. High variability: OCD symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and the disorder can present in different forms, such as contamination, symmetry, and hoarding. It can be challenging to find the right medication that can effectively target the specific symptoms and subtypes of OCD in an individual.
  3. Tolerance and dependence: Some medications used to treat OCD, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can take several weeks to start working, and their efficacy can diminish over time. Additionally, some individuals may develop tolerance or dependence on these medications, requiring higher doses or alternative treatments.
  4. Side effects: Many medications used to treat OCD can have significant side effects, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and gastrointestinal problems. These side effects can be intolerable for some individuals, leading them to discontinue treatment.
  5. Comorbid conditions: OCD frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbid conditions can complicate treatment and require multiple medications to manage.

OCD and the placebo effect

The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a person experiences a positive therapeutic effect from a treatment that has no therapeutic value. The strength of the placebo effect can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual experiencing it.

Research suggests that the placebo effect may be weaker for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because of the nature of the disorder. OCD is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts or obsessions that create anxiety, as well as repetitive behaviors or compulsions that are performed to alleviate that anxiety.

The underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms of OCD involve overactive circuits in the brain that are associated with anxiety and negative affect. These circuits can interfere with the placebo response, which relies on positive expectations, hope, and other psychological factors that can activate the brain’s reward and motivation systems.

Moreover, individuals with OCD may have difficulty trusting their own experiences and perceptions, which can make it harder for them to believe that a treatment is working, even if it is a placebo. They may also be more likely to notice and interpret any changes in their symptoms in a negative way, which can undermine the placebo effect.

Overall, while the placebo effect can still occur in individuals with OCD, it may be weaker due to the nature of the disorder and its underlying neural mechanisms.

Digital Therapeutics for OCD

Digital therapeutics are a growing area of treatment for mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Digital therapeutics are software-based interventions that use technology, such as mobile apps or virtual reality, to provide evidence-based treatments. These treatments can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies or as standalone interventions.

For OCD, digital therapeutics can provide several benefits. They can offer a more accessible and convenient option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional in-person therapy, such as those who live in rural or remote areas. Digital therapeutics can also be more cost-effective and scalable than traditional therapies.

There are several types of digital therapeutics available for OCD, including:

  1. Mobile apps: There are several mobile apps available that provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for OCD. These apps can help individuals identify and challenge their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
  2. Virtual reality therapy: Virtual reality therapy involves using a virtual environment to simulate exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli. For OCD, this can involve exposure to situations or objects that trigger obsessions or compulsions.
  3. Web-based programs: There are several web-based programs that offer CBT for OCD. These programs can be accessed from any device with an internet connection and can provide ongoing support for individuals with OCD.
  4. Wearable devices: There are several wearable devices that can be used to monitor and track OCD symptoms. These devices can provide real-time feedback and support for individuals with OCD.

Overall, digital therapeutics are a promising area of treatment for OCD and other mental health conditions. They can provide accessible and convenient options for individuals who may have difficulty accessing traditional therapies.

The old way

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Results

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OCD: the neurobiology

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent, uncontrollable thoughts, fears, or doubts (obsessions) that drive an individual to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to alleviate the distress caused by the obsessions.

The main theories

Recent studies in brain science have shed new light on the underlying neurobiology of OCD. One key area of research has focused on the role of the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei located deep within the brain that play a critical role in movement, motivation, and the regulation of thoughts and emotions.

One theory is that OCD is caused by an imbalance in the activity of certain neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and serotonin, in the basal ganglia. Studies have shown that people with OCD have abnormal levels of these neurotransmitters in certain areas of the brain.

Another theory implicates dysfunction in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, a complex network of brain regions that includes the prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and the thalamus. Studies have shown that in people with OCD, there is increased activity in the CSTC circuit, which leads to hyperactivity in the basal ganglia, which in turn leads to the obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD.

Additionally, structural and functional brain imaging studies have identified abnormalities in several brain regions in people with OCD, including the orbitofrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the caudate nucleus.

It is important to note that OCD is a multifactorial disorder, meaning it is likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and neurobiological factors. Therefore, understanding the underlying brain mechanisms of OCD is still ongoing and more research is needed to fully understand the disorder.

Psychiatric treatment for OCD typically includes a combination of medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

In recent years, digital tools and digital therapeutics have been shown progress in treating various mental disorders, including OCD.

In conclusion, OCD is a complex mental health disorder that is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable thoughts and fears. Recent studies in brain science have provided new insight into the underlying neurobiology of OCD, highlighting the role of neurotransmitters, the CSTC circuit, and brain regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the caudate nucleus.

While more research is needed, understanding the underlying brain mechanisms of OCD is an important step towards developing more effective treatments for this debilitating disorder.

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On CBT, AI and OCD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular approach to mental health treatment that focuses on how thoughts and beliefs can influence behavior.

CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and developing healthier, more realistic coping strategies.

This approach encourages individuals to look at the way they think and the decisions they make in order to understand how it affects their emotional state. Through this process, individuals can learn to recognize and address their own cognitive distortions and make positive changes in their life.

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD and phobias.

CBT and Technology

Technology is also being used to create cross-diagnosis tools for mental health. These tools use artificial intelligence and data analysis to identify patterns of behavior and diagnose mental health conditions.

This technology can be used to provide clinicians with insights into a patient’s condition and help them make more informed decisions about treatment.

By using technology, clinicians can also provide more personalized care and support to their patients, as well as monitor their progress. Technology can be a powerful force in making mental health care more accessible, efficient, and effective.

Artificial intelligence and CBT

Machine learning can be used to make Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) more effective and personalized. For example, machine learning algorithms can be used to identify patterns in a patient’s behavior and highlight areas of improvement.

These algorithms can also be used to generate tailored worksheets and exercises that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs.

Additionally, machine learning can be used to recognize a patient’s progress and offer feedback. This type of technology can help clinicians adapt their treatments and adjust therapies for individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders.

Digital therapeutics for OCD and AI

Digital therapeutics are becoming increasingly popular for mental health, but there is still room for improvement.

While there are a variety of digital therapeutics available, many lack the personalized aspect of traditional in-person therapies. With the power of AI and machine learning, digital therapeutics can become more personalized and effective by utilizing data points such as a person’s symptoms, individualized cognitive themes, and environmental influences to create customized treatments that address a person’s unique needs.

This would enable digital therapeutics to provide more individualized treatments for those suffering from mental health issues, which would lead to better outcomes.

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Anxiety: 3 common negative biases

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the key features of anxiety is the presence of cognitive biases, which are patterns of thinking that can lead to distorted perceptions of reality.

I’ve always struggled with anxiety, but one of the worst things about it for me has been my all-or-nothing thinking. I would go on job interviews and if I didn’t get the job, I would immediately think of myself as a failure and that I’ll never be able to find a job. It was an incredibly discouraging and overwhelming feeling.

I would beat myself up over every little thing I did wrong in the interview, instead of focusing on the things I did well. I would think that a single rejection meant that I was never going to be able to find a job. I was stuck in this cycle of thinking that if I didn’t get the job, I was a complete failure, and it made it incredibly difficult for me to keep trying.

I was so desperate to find a job that I started to avoid applying for jobs and interviews altogether. I was afraid of rejection and I didn’t want to face the disappointment of not getting the job. It was a hard thing to admit to myself and my family, but I realized that I needed help.

Lisa, Seattle, WA

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common cognitive biases that people with anxiety tend to have, and discuss how they can be addressed.

1. Tendency to catastrophize

One of the most prevalent cognitive biases in people with anxiety is the tendency to catastrophize. This is the habit of exaggerating the potential negative consequences of a situation and assuming the worst possible outcome. For example, a person with anxiety may believe that a minor mistake at work will result in getting fired, or that a small argument with a loved one will lead to the end of the relationship. This type of thinking can lead to increased anxiety and stress, and can make it difficult for a person to cope with everyday challenges.

2. All-or-nothing thinking

Another cognitive bias that is commonly seen in people with anxiety is black-and-white thinking, also known as “all-or-nothing thinking.” This is the tendency to see things as either completely good or completely bad, with no gray areas in between. For example, a person with anxiety may view themselves as a complete failure if they make a mistake, or may see a situation as completely hopeless if things don’t go as planned. This type of thinking can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and can make it difficult for a person to find solutions to problems.

3. Focus on the negative

A third cognitive bias that is commonly seen in people with anxiety is the tendency to focus on the negative. This is the habit of paying more attention to negative thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and ignoring or downplaying positive ones. For example, a person with anxiety may focus on the one negative comment they received at work, while ignoring all the positive feedback they received. This type of thinking can lead to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, and can make it difficult for a person to see the positive aspects of their life.

How to deal with negative biases

One of the key strategies for reframing negative biases related to anxiety is to practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. CBT is a form of therapy that is specifically designed to help people identify and change negative thought patterns. Some CBT techniques that can be helpful for reframing negative biases include:

  • Identifying and challenging negative thoughts: This involves learning to recognize negative thought patterns and to question their validity. For example, instead of thinking “I will never find a job,” a person can challenge this thought by asking themselves “What is the evidence that I will never find a job?”
  • Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help a person to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and to gain a more balanced perspective on them.
  • Reframing negative thoughts: This involves looking at a situation in a different way, and finding a more supportive or realistic interpretation. For example, instead of thinking “I made a mistake, so I must be a failure,” a person can reframe this thought by saying “I made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean I am a failure. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow.”
  • Practicing helpful self-talk: This involves intentionally focusing on helpful thoughts and feelings and repeating them to oneself.
  • Setting realistic goals and rewarding yourself for achieving them. This can help to build self-confidence and positive feelings about oneself.

It’s important to keep in mind that changing negative thought patterns takes time and effort. It’s not going to happen overnight, but with the help of a therapist or digital tools and consistent practice of these techniques, it can be done.

These digital tools can help a person to identify and challenge their negative thought patterns, and to learn new ways of thinking and coping. Additionally, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help a person to reduce their levels of anxiety and stress, and to gain a more balanced perspective on their thoughts and feelings.

Summary

  • Anxiety is a common mental health condition that is characterized by cognitive biases
  • Common cognitive biases that people with anxiety tend to have include catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, and focusing on the negative.
  • To address these cognitive biases, people with anxiety can work with a mental health professional or use digital tools such as mental health apps, online therapy platforms, and self-help resources.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can also help to reduce anxiety and stress and gain a more balanced perspective on thoughts and feelings.

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5 tips for mental preparation to the holiday season

The holidays can be a tough time for people for a number of reasons. Studies have shown that the holidays can take a toll on people’s mental health, especially if they are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

First, there is the pressure to spend time with family and friends, which can be difficult if relationships are strained.

There is also the pressure to buy gifts and make plans, which can be difficult for people who are struggling financially.

And finally, there is the pressure to be happy and festive, which can be difficult for people who are dealing with personal problems or who are simply feeling down. All of these pressures can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

OCD and the holidays

OCD can be a mental challenge during the holiday season for several reasons. For one, the holiday season is generally a busy time of year, and people with OCD may have a hard time keeping up with their usual routines and rituals. This can lead to feeling anxious or stressed, which can exacerbate OCD symptoms.

Additionally, the holidays can be a triggering time for people with OCD due to all the holiday-related activities and events (e.g., gift shopping, decorating, attending parties).

This can make it difficult to stick to one’s treatment plan and can cause an increase in OCD symptoms. Finally, the holiday season is often a time when family and friends get together.

For people with OCD, this can be a triggering and stressful event. This is because they may feel like they have to “perform” for their loved ones and bePerfect. This can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress.

I have OCD and during the holiday season, I find it difficult to be around all the people and the hustle and bustle. I tend to want to stay in my own space and not be around others. I also have a hard time with all the food around and the temptation to eat everything. I try to stay on my diet and exercise routine, but it is hard with all the holiday parties and gatherings. I am also aware that I need to be careful of my spending during the holidays, as I can get carried away. Overall, I find the holiday season to be a difficult time for me, but I try to make the best of it and enjoy the time with my family and friends.

Paul M.

OCD and the holiday season: some tips

For people with OCD, the holiday season can be a difficult and stressful time. The holiday season can be a trigger for OCD thoughts and behaviors. OCD can make it hard to enjoy the holidays and can make it difficult to participate in holiday activities. Here are some tips for dealing with OCD during the holiday season:

  1. Be prepared for triggers. If you know that certain holiday activities or situations are triggers for your OCD, be prepared for them. Have a plan for how you will deal with the trigger.
  2. Stick to your treatment plan. Don’t let the holiday season throw off your OCD treatment plan. It’s important to stick to your treatment in order to keep your OCD under control.
  3. Reach out for support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by OCD during the holiday season, reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist for support. Talking about your OCD can help you feel better and can help you find ways to cope with your symptoms.
  4. Take a break from holiday activities if needed. If you’re feeling really overwhelmed by OCD, it’s OK to take a break from holiday activities. Don’t feel like you have to force yourself to participate in holiday activities if it’s too difficult.
  5. Focus on the positive. The holiday season can be a difficult time for people with OCD, but it’s important to focus on the positive. Spend time with loved ones, enjoy your favorite holiday foods, and take some time to relax.

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    3 tips for using mindfulness to help OCD

    When I was first diagnosed with OCD, I was really scared. I had no idea what was happening to me or how to deal with it.

    But my therapist suggested I try mindfulness, and it has completely changed my life. Mindfulness has helped me to be in the moment and to not worry about things that are out of my control.

    I used to obsess over everything and I would constantly worry about what could happen in the future. But now, I’m able to focus on the here and now and to let go of those worries. I’m also able to be more present with my family and friends.

    I used to miss out on a lot of things because I was so focused on my OCD. But now, I’m able to be in the moment and to enjoy my life. I’m so grateful to have found mindfulness and to have made it a part of my life. It has truly helped me to heal and to live a more joyful life.

    Sharon, Canada

    Mindfulness benefits

    When it comes to mental health, mindfulness is often heralded as a powerful tool. And for good reason – mindfulness can offer a number of advantages for people struggling with OCD anxiety. Here are just a few of the ways that mindfulness can help ease OCD anxiety:

    1. Mindfulness can help break the cycle of anxiety.
      For many people with OCD, anxiety can become a vicious cycle. The anxiety leads to obsessive thoughts and compulsions, which in turn leads to more anxiety. Mindfulness can help break this cycle by teaching you to focus on the present moment and accept your thoughts and feelings without judgement. This can help you to start to see your anxiety in a more realistic light, which can ultimately lead to reduced anxiety and fewer obsessions and compulsions.
    1. Mindfulness can help you to manage your anxiety in a more constructive way.
      Mindfulness can also help you to manage your anxiety in a more constructive way. Rather than trying to fight your anxiety or suppress your thoughts, mindfulness teaches you to accept them and work with them. This can help you to develop a more constructive relationship with your anxiety, which can lead to improved mental health in the long-term.
    2. Mindfulness can help you to identify and challenge your anxiety-provoking thoughts.
      Another advantage of mindfulness is that it can help you to identify and challenge your anxiety-provoking thoughts. Once you become more aware of your thoughts, you can start to question whether they are really true or helpful. This can help you to start to see your anxiety in a different light, which can lead to reduced anxiety and fewer obsessions and compulsions.

    Easing OCD anxiety

    If you’re looking to ease your OCD anxiety, mindfulness can be a helpful tool. Here are a few tips to get you started:

    1. Make time for mindfulness.

    One of the best things you can do is to make time for mindfulness. Dedicate a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Once you get used to this, you can start to extend the length of your mindfulness sessions.

    1. Be patient.

    Mindfulness can take time to master, so be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to see results overnight – it takes time and practice to see the benefits of mindfulness.

    1. Find a mindfulness method that works for you.

    There are a number of different mindfulness methods out there, so find one that works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so experiment until you find a method that you’re comfortable with.

    Combining mindfulness with CBT

    It is well known that mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both effective treatments for a variety of mental health conditions. What is less well known is that these two approaches can be combined to create an even more powerful treatment.

    Mindfulness is a form of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) that focuses on the present moment. It teaches people to be aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in order to gain a better understanding of themselves. CBT is a type of therapy that helps people to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

    When these two approaches are combined, people are able to learn how to be more mindful of their thoughts and feelings, and how to change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. This combination of mindfulness and CBT can help people to reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improve their overall mental health.

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    OCD, PTSD, and how to cope with both

    After my car accident, I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was having intrusive thoughts about accidents and feeling like I was in danger all the time. I was also hypervigilant and always on the lookout for potential threats. My friends and family were trying to be supportive, but I felt like I was struggling to cope on my own. I still have days where I struggle. I am hopeful that with time and continued progress, I will be able to fully recover and live a normal life again.

    Corinne, Canada

    If you’ve experienced trauma, you may feel like you’re never going to feel normal again. The combination of OCD and trauma can add additional hardship.

    When someone is obsessively thinking about a traumatic event, they are re-living the trauma over and over again in their mind. This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.

    The person may also start to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, which can make it difficult to function in daily life. This can all lead to a downward spiral of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

    There are studies that show the relationship between OCD and PTSD.

    5 symptoms of OCD and trauma

    1. Unwanted, intrusive thoughts that are difficult to control or stop.
    2. Excessive worry and anxiety about everyday situations.
    3. Compulsive behaviors or rituals that are performed in an attempt to ease anxiety or prevent certain thoughts from occurring.
    4. Avoidance of certain people, places, or things that trigger memories or thoughts of the trauma.
    5. flashbacks or intrusive memories of the trauma that can occur at any time.

    Recovery

    Studies about PTSD and OCD define recovery as strongly related to thinking and rituals: “effective treatment of trauma-related OCD is defined as the reduction in obsessional thoughts and compulsory rituals“.

    The good news is that there are treatments available that can help you recover and heal. One of these treatments is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

    CBT is a type of therapy that helps you change the way you think about and react to your experiences. It can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, including trauma.

    Here are some of the ways that CBT can help you recover from trauma:

    1. It can help you understand your reactions.

    CBT can help you understand why you’re feeling the way you are. It can also help you see that your reactions are normal and that they don’t have to control your life.

    1. It can help you change the way you think about your experience.

    CBT can help you challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that you have about your experience. It can help you see that your experience is not who you are.

    1. It can help you change the way you react to your experience.

    CBT can help you learn new ways of coping with your experience. It can help you deal with your emotions in a healthy way.

    1. It can help you connect with others.

    CBT can help you build supportive relationships with others. These relationships can provide you with the social support you need to heal.

    1. It can help you take care of yourself.

    CBT can help you develop healthy coping skills. These skills can help you take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, PTSD or a combination of the two, it’s important to seek professional help.

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    3 Tips for improving your confidence if you have OCD

    confident young woman, by Lucian Freud, rough texture, pastels finish, pale green, pale blue, pale cyan, light yellow color scheme

    People with OCD often have issues with confidence because they are constantly doubting themselves and their abilities. This can be extremely frustrating and debilitating, as it can prevent them from enjoying activities or participating in activities that they used to enjoy.

    I have ocd and it really affects my confidence. I tend to second guess myself a lot and it really holds me back from taking on new challenges. I’m always worried about making mistakes and it really affects my ability to just go for it. I’m constantly doubting myself and my abilities, and it’s really frustrating. I know that I’m capable of so much more, but my ocd just gets in the way.

    Mark Romanoff

    Why people with OCD struggle with confidence?

    There are 3 main reasons why people with OCD can have issues with self esteem and confidence:

    1. People with OCD often have intrusive and unwanted thoughts that they cannot control. These thoughts can be very distressing and can make it difficult for them to feel confident in themselves.
    2. People with OCD may also have compulsions that they feel they must do in order to reduce their anxiety. This can lead to them feeling like they are not in control of their own lives and can make it difficult to feel confident.
    3. People with OCD may also avoid situations or activities that trigger their OCD symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to participate in activities that they enjoy or that could help them build confidence.

    20 examples for common negative thoughts related to confidence

    1. I’m not good enough.

    2. I’m not smart enough.

    3. I’m not pretty enough.

    4. I’m not thin enough.

    5. I don’t deserve to be happy.

    6. I don’t deserve to be successful.

    7. I’m not worth anyone’s time.

    8. I’m not worth anyone’s love.

    9. I’m not lovable.

    10. I’m not good enough for anything.

    11. I’m not talented enough.

    12. I’m not special.

    13. I’m not worth anything.

    14. I’m not worth anyone’s attention.

    15. I’m not worth anyone’s respect.

    16. I’m not worth anyone’s love.

    17. I’m not a good person.

    18. I’m not a worthwhile person.

    19. I’m not a lovable person.

    20. I’m not a good enough person.

    10 Examples for negative thoughts related to confidence that are specific for people with OCD

    1. I will never be able to control my OCD.
    2. I’m so ashamed of my OCD.
    3. I’m disgusting because of my OCD.
    4. I will never be able to lead a normal life because of my OCD.
    5. I will always be alone because of my OCD.
    6. I will never be able to have a successful career because of my OCD.
    7. I will never be able to have a happy and fulfilling life because of my OCD.
    8. I am a burden to everyone because of my OCD.
    9. I am worthless because of my OCD.
    10. I will never be able to be happy because of my OCD.

    So what can I do to improve my confidence?

    Cognitive behavioral methods are a way of increasing confidence by reducing negative thinking and self criticism. The way it works is by changing the way you think about yourself and your abilities. Instead of thinking negatively, you focus not just on your positive qualities and accomplishments, but more importantly, on supportive interpretations of situations. This change in thinking leads to improved self-esteem and confidence.

    The first step is to become aware of your negative thoughts and self-criticism. Once you are aware of these thoughts, you can start to challenge and reframe them. For example, instead of thinking “I’m not good enough,” you can tell yourself “I am good enough.” Once you start to reframe your negative thoughts, you will start to see an increase in your confidence levels.

    3 tips for building confidence

    1. When you feel low confidence, write down your negative thoughts, so you get to better understand your challenges.
    2. Challenge and reframe the negative thoughts. Try to find additional ways to approach a specific negative thought or situation.
    3. Studies show that maintaining LOW self-esteem is actually a very laborious and consuming habit. Just by reducing your self-criticism, your confidence will increase.

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    Prof. Guy Doron answers your ROCD questions

    This week, GGtude co-founder and CSO Prof. Guy Doron participated as a panelist in International OCD Foundation’s special event about Relationship OCD.

    Join IOCDF lead advocate Chris Trondsen, MS, AMFT, APCC and panelists Prof. Guy Doron, Dr. Danny S. Derby, and Zoe Homonoff as they discuss Relationship OCD (ROCD) and answer your questions.

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    Body dissatisfaction and resilience

    How our mental wellness app reduces negative body image for high risk female university students

    • Body dissatisfaction represents a prevalent condition in young women.
    • Daily training with our mobile app may reduce some forms of body dissatisfaction.
    • Medium-large effect size reductions emerged for BDD symptoms.
    • Effects of the intervention on eating disorder symptoms seem more limited.

    Body dissatisfaction is prevalent in young women and is associated with symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Eating Disorders (EDs).

    Prof. Guy Doron, co-founder of GGtude, together with a team of students and researchers, wanted to assess the positive effect of our mobile application, based on cognitive behavioral principles, in reducing body dissatisfaction and BDD/ED (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) symptoms in female university students, considered at high-risk of developing Body Image Disorders (BIDs). 

    How the study was conducted

    Fifty university students at high-risk of developing BIDs (using self-report questionnaires assessing BIDs and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinical Version) were assigned to two random groups: an immediate-use group (iApp group; n = 25) and a delayed-use group (dApp group; n = 25). The iApp group started using the app at baseline for 16 days (T0 to T1). The dApp group waited for 16 days before starting to use the app (T1 to T2). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), 16 days from baseline (T1), and 32 days from baseline (T2).

    The results

    Repeated measure Analyses of Variance (ANOVAs) showed a Group interaction on BDD symptoms indicating medium effect size reductions in the iApp group compared to dApp group; post-intervention means for BDD symptoms were under the cut-off for extreme body dissatisfaction/BDD symptoms in both groups.

    Conclusion

    Training 3 minutes a day for 16 days with our OCD mobile app may lead to reductions in some forms of body dissatisfaction, including BDD symptoms in female university students at high-risk of developing BIDs.

    What does it mean for people who suffer from body image issues?

    The results show that it’s possible to reduce some forms of body dissatisfaction using the app for 16 days, 3 minutes every day.

    You are welcome to try the app for free and see for yourself.

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    Citations

    Cerea S., Ghisi, M., Bottesi, G., Manoli, E., Carraro., T., & Doron (in press). Short, Daily Cognitive behavioural Training Using a Mobile Application Reduces Body Image Related Symptoms in High Risk Female University Students: A Randomized Controlled Study. Behavior Therapy.