Enhancing the Acceptability of Psychological Treatments for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Summary

Effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) usually emphasize a behavioural approach called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). In this treatment, patients are encouraged to face their fears repeatedly and for extended periods of time, with the help and support of a caring therapist. Although this is an approach that has been shown to work, many patients find the treatment to be difficult; some even refuse the treatment, or drop out before improvements are seen. The investigators have been working to develop an alternate approach which is just as effective as ERP, but which the investigators think will be much more acceptable to those who seek help for their OCD. This study will compare the traditional behavioural approach, with the newer cognitively-based approach. The investigators expect that the two treatments will both reduce the symptoms and distress of people with OCD, but that this newer cognitive therapy will have fewer people who refuse or drop out of the treatment, and will be rated as more acceptable. This research will have important implications not only for those struggling with OCD, but also for other anxiety-related problems where behavioural approaches are typically recommended, including posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and other problems.

Conditions

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Interventions

OTHER

Cognitive therapy

Empirically-supported psychological intervention for various mental health concerns including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Twelve treatment sessions include components to foster cognitive (i.e. thinking) and behavioural changes.

BEHAVIORAL

Exposure and Response Prevention

Exposure therapy in which individuals confront their fears and discontinue their escape response. Twelve treatment sessions implementing exposure which is prolonged and repeated, requiring clients/patients to engage in a series of exposures to feared stimuli (e.g., contaminants, doubts, intrusive thoughts), and to refrain from engaging in compulsive behaviour until their anxiety subsides.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Université de Montréal

  collaborator OTHER

• McGill University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of British Columbia

  collaborator OTHER

• University College London Hospitals

  collaborator OTHER

• Concordia University, Montreal

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Adam S Radomsky, PhD · Concordia University, Montreal

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2019-01-26

Primary Completion

2024-06-30

Completion

2024-06-30

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations