Skip to content

Towards Remission and Full Recovery From Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling psychiatric illness that is characterized by distressing obsessional thoughts and time-consuming compulsive rituals. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a first-line psychological treatment of choice that requires patients to face their fears by being exposed to feared stimuli. This treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms in a significant proportion of patients. However, it is considered a difficult treatment and only a minority reach remission. Residual symptoms typically remain, or reappear after treatment, which is a risk for relapse. Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is a promising evidence-based treatment developed to overcome these limitations. I-CBT has already been found to be as effective as ERP and significantly more acceptable and easier to adhere to. There is also evidence that I-CBT is more effective for subgroups of patients. Consequently, the current research project is focused on improving treatments outcomes for those provide those who have previously unable to reach remission of their symptoms with ERP. Following an initial treatment with ERP, those that have been unable to reach remission, will be randomized to either I-CBT or more ERP. It is expected that I-CBT will be significantly more effective than providing patients with more of the same. In addition, the study aims to predict treatment outcome in order to be able to tell in advance which patients do not respond to ERP. The project is designed to maximize beneficial health outcomes with a stepped-care approach to treatment, but also to work towards a more personalized choice by being able to match patients in advance with the treatment that works best for them

null

Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion criteria:

1. a primary diagnosis of OCD according to DSM-5 criteria.
2. a score ≥ 18 on the Y-BOCS
3. age ≥ 18.
4. no change in medication during the 8 weeks before treatment for antidepressants (4 weeks for anxiolytics).
5. willingness to keep medication stable while participating in the study.
6. not undergoing a concurrent psychological treatment.
7. access to a computer or phone with internet access.

Exclusion criteria:
8. evidence of a high level of suicidal ideation, suicidal intent or previous suicide attempts.
9. past or present psychotic or bipolar disorder.
10. neurocognitive disorder, pervasive developmental disorder or intellectual disability of a severity judged to significantly interfere with treatment and/or requiring treatment first.
11. substance abuse disorder of a severity judged to significantly interfere with treatment and/or requiring treatment first.

Study Location

Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
Montréal, Quebec
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Lysandre Bourguignon, Bsc

[email protected]
514.251.4015
Backup Contact

Frederick Aardema, PhD

[email protected]
514.662.5116
Study Sponsored By
Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT06318806