A PERSPECTIVE OF MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ON SMARTPHONE-MEDIATED CBT INTERVENTIONS FOR OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER AMONG PAKISTANI YOUTH

Abstract

This focus group discussion explored the insights of the Islamabad-based Pakistani clinical psychologists about smartphone-mediated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) applications for youth suffering obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This qualitative research involved 11 practitioners. The researchers analyzed data guided by Braun & Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis model, supplemented by NVivo software. The major themes explored include ‘Effectiveness of Smartphone-mediated Apps in CBT; OCD Treatment and Clinical Challenges; Socio-cultural Considerations; Structural and Technological Barriers; and Future Prospects’ the study findings demonstrate that smartphone-mediated CBT facilitates with enhanced youth access and engagement for mild OCD treatment, there remain substantial concerns about its clinical limitations, particularly for cultural barriers, religious misinterpretations, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and lower digital literacy. The respondents advocated for blended therapies involving stakeholder trainings, localized content, and government policy and regulation. This research underscores the potential and drawbacks of digital interventions for mental health in Pakistan, providing guidance for clinical practice, future research, and policy development.