Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for OCD

This trial explores if a type of mindfulness therapy, called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), can effectively treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a challenging condition that affects many people. While talking therapy (CBT) is often used and helps a lot, some people don't fully recover or still have symptoms. This study will compare MBCT with standard CBT and a waiting list group to see which treatment works best. The aim is to understand if mindfulness can offer a new and helpful way to lessen the distress caused by OCD, potentially making this treatment more widely available in healthcare settings.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Enrolment target

420

Start

09 Nov 2021

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What is this study about?

This research is looking into new ways to help people who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. OCD is a condition where people experience recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or feel the need to repeat certain actions (compulsions). These can take up a lot of time and cause significant worry and difficulty in daily life. Currently, a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the main treatment and helps many people. However, some individuals don't get completely better with CBT, or still have some challenging symptoms.

That's why scientists are interested in another approach: mindfulness-based treatments. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. While mindfulness has shown promise for general mood and anxiety issues, its specific benefits for OCD haven't been fully explored. This study aims to fill that gap by examining a specific type of mindfulness therapy called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

The main goal of this study is to see if MBCT is a good and effective treatment for OCD. Researchers will compare people receiving MBCT, people receiving standard CBT, and people who are on a waiting list for treatment. By doing this, they hope to understand if MBCT can significantly reduce the problems and distress caused by OCD. If the study shows that mindfulness really helps, it could mean that this kind of treatment becomes more available to people in hospitals and clinics, offering another option for managing OCD symptoms.

Key takeaways

This study explores a mindfulness therapy (MBCT) for OCD.
It compares MBCT with standard talking therapy (CBT) and a waiting list.
The goal is to find new ways to help people reduce OCD symptoms.
Participants must be 18-65 years old with stable OCD medication (if applicable).
It's a chance to try a potentially helpful new approach for managing OCD.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You should be experiencing noticeable symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that are affecting your daily life. If you are already taking medication for your OCD, it's important that your medication dose has been stable and hasn't changed for at least eight weeks before the study starts.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have another serious mental health condition like severe depression, schizophrenia, or a substance use problem. Also, if you have a medical condition that needs urgent attention, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study is open to everyone, regardless of gender.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have noticeable symptoms of OCD that bother you?
If you take OCD medication, has your dose been stable for at least 8 weeks?
Are you able to commit to therapy sessions and assessments?
Do you not have a severe mood disorder, psychosis, or substance use problem?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study means you would join one of three groups: one receiving Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), another receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or a waiting list group. You would attend regular therapy sessions over a specified period. Throughout the study, you would undergo assessments to track your OCD symptoms and general well-being. The total duration of your involvement, including any follow-up, would be outlined in detail if you are deemed eligible. You would continue any stable medications you are currently taking, but the study does not involve starting new medication.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you a chance to try a new therapy for your OCD that could potentially reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, as with any treatment, there's no guarantee it will work for everyone, and it might take time and effort. There may be some discomfort when discussing your symptoms or engaging in new exercises. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a condition where people have unwanted thoughts or urges (obsessions) and/or feel they must repeat certain actions (compulsions). These can be distressing and affect daily life.

What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?

MBCT teaches you to pay attention to the present moment, your thoughts, and feelings without judgment, helping you to manage difficult experiences.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a talking therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

Will I have to stop my current medication if I join?

No, if you're on medication for OCD, you must be on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks before starting the study. You won't stop taking it.

How long will the study last if I participate?

The information doesn't specify the exact length of time, but it would involve therapy sessions and assessments over a period that would be explained to you.