An Integrated Framework for Regulating OCD using Holistic Therapy in Indian Youth

This paper aims to propose a conceptual regulation system for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) plaguing the younger generation, especially women. Two percent people are affected by OCD globally, while 0.8% people are affected in India. The symptoms can manifest in different forms and can be categorised into four main clusters, namely, a) Checking, b) Mental Contamination, c) Symmetry and order, and d) Obsessions. An OCD diagnostic quiz is conducted for 38 patients of age group 21-25, and the results are analysed. Based on these surveys and four interviews, a framework for OCD regulation is proposed. To deploy this framework, a conceptual solution comprising a mHealth application and a smart health tracker is developed. The mHealth app features e-diagnostics, gamification, AI-based personalisation, and support groups. The smart health tracker has multiple sensors including heartrate sensor, blood pulse monitor, skin temperature sensor, moisture sensor, and so on. This system also focuses on implementing key aspects of Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and music therapy. The goal is to reduce the dependence on Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) by providing holistic and behavioural therapy. In the future, metaverse based games, and AR/VR could also be integrated in the proposed framework, to provide deeper insights and more personalised sustainable solutions.