Integrating Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Techniques to Treat a Tourettic Subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Tourettic OCD)

Summary

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Tic Disorders frequently co-occur, and a subgroup of patients - those with a Tourettic Subtype of OCD (TOCD) - present with concurrent obsessive-compulsive and tic symptoms. Existing psychological interventions typically target one condition or the other, but rarely both together. This study aims to test whether a combined psychological therapy integrating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal (HbRT) is more effective at reducing symptoms than either therapy delivered alone, in adults with TOCD.

Conditions

• Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder
• Tic Disorder, Chronic Motor or Vocal
• Tic Disorders
• Tic Disorder, Combined Vocal and Multiple Motor
• Tourette Disease
• Tourette Disorder
• Tourettes Syndrome
• Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a behavioural intervention that involves gradual and systematic exposure to obsessional fears, distress, sensory discomfort, premonitory urges, and "not-just-right" experiences while refraining from compulsions, avoidance, reassurance seeking, and other safety behaviours. Treatment is delivered individually over 12 weekly 50-minute sessions, either face-to-face or remotely.

BEHAVIORAL

Habit Reversal Training (HbRT

Habit Reversal Training (HbRT) is a behavioural intervention that includes awareness training, identification of premonitory urges and antecedents to tic expression, development and practice of competing responses, and strategies to generalise skills across settings. Treatment is delivered individually over 12 weekly 50-minute sessions, either face-to-face or remotely.

BEHAVIORAL

Psychoeducation and Supportive Intervention

Psychoeducation and Supportive Therapy consists of structured education about obsessive-compulsive disorder, tic disorders, Tourettic obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress, and wellbeing, together with supportive discussion and general problem-solving. The intervention does not include Exposure and Response Prevention, Habit Reversal Training, or other targeted behavioural techniques. Treatment is delivered individually over 12 weekly 50-minute sessions, either face-to-face or remotely.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University College, London

  collaborator OTHER

• University College London Hospitals

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-08

Primary Completion

2027-08-01

Completion

2030-02-01

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations