Effect of Mobile Application-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Atopic Dermatitis Comorbid With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mobile application-based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT) in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods: This retrospective study analysed 100 patients with AD and comorbid OCD treated at Chengdu First People’s Hospital from January 2024 to December 2025. Patients were divided into an MCBT group (n = 50) and a conventional group (n = 50) according to the treatment they received. All patients received routine medication. The conventional group received conventional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), whereas the MCBT group received MCBT via mobile applications. Treatment duration was 12 weeks for both groups. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and treatment adherence were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, EASI, Y-BOCS, and DLQI scores significantly reduced from baseline in both groups (all p < 0.01). Moreover, the MCBT group had significantly lower EASI [10.5 (3.7, 18.6)], Y-BOCS (10.2 ± 2.1), and DLQI (5.3 ± 1.8) scores than the conventional group [14.4 (6.8, 26.9), 15.5 ± 2.3, 10.6 ± 2.7] (all p < 0.01). The overall treatment adherence rate was significantly higher in the MCBT group (82.0%) than in the conventional therapy group (64.0%; χ² = 4.110, p = 0.042).

Conclusions: MCBT combined with conventional therapy may alleviate dermatological and obsessivecompulsive symptoms in patients with AD and OCD, while also improving treatment adherence and quality of life. Given its simplicity and feasibility, further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate its clinical value.