RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This study is for adults who experience both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and tic disorders, sometimes called "Tourettic OCD" (TOCD). Often, treatments focus on one condition or the other. We are testing whether combining two well-known talking therapies — Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) — is more effective at reducing symptoms than using either therapy on its own. Participants will be put into one of four groups: a combination of both therapies, ERP alone, HRT alone, or a supportive discussion group. The aim is to find the best way to help people manage their TOCD symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College London Hospitals

Enrolment target

Start

08 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2030

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

What is this study about?

This study is designed for adults who have both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and a tic disorder. Doctors sometimes call this Tourettic OCD (TOCD) when the two conditions occur together. OCD involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repeated behaviours (compulsions), while tic disorders involve sudden, uncontrollable movements or sounds (tics).

Typically, treatments for OCD and tic disorders are given separately. However, because many people experience both, we want to explore if a combined approach might be more helpful. This study will test two types of talking therapy: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps people face their fears without doing their compulsions, and Habit Reversal Training (HRT), which teaches people ways to manage their tics. By looking at these therapies together and separately, we hope to find a more effective way to reduce the symptoms of TOCD.

The main goal of this research is to see if combining these therapies works better than either one by itself. If successful, this could lead to better treatment options for people living with both OCD and tics, offering a more complete way to manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives.

Key takeaways

This study explores new ways to treat adults with both OCD and tic disorders.
It compares two talking therapies, alone and combined, against a supportive approach.
Participation involves 12 weekly therapy sessions and three assessment points.
Treatments can be delivered in person or remotely.
The goal is to find more effective treatments for these challenging conditions.

Who may be eligible?

If you're an adult aged 18 to 65, you might be able to join this study. You would need to have been diagnosed with a tic disorder (like Tourette's Syndrome, or other motor or vocal tic disorders) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Your symptoms would need to be at a certain level, as we'll use specific questionnaires to check this.

It's okay if you're taking medication for these conditions, as long as your dose stays the same throughout the study. We also need to make sure you can understand and agree to take part throughout the study period. You wouldn't be able to join if you have certain other conditions like substance misuse, severe personality disorders, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. We also can't include people with active thoughts of harming themselves or those who need an interpreter, as clear communication is vital.

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 aged between 18 and 65?
Do you have a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Do you also have a diagnosis of a tic disorder (e.g., Tourette's Syndrome or other motor/vocal tics)?
Are you able to commit to 12 weekly therapy sessions and follow-up appointments?
Are you prepared to keep your current medications at the same dose during the 12-week treatment if you are on them?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be put into one of four groups by chance, like drawing names from a hat. Each group will receive 12 weekly one-to-one therapy sessions, each lasting about 50 minutes. These sessions can either be face-to-face or done remotely (online or over the phone), whichever works best.

Before you start, at the end of the 12 weeks, and again 12 weeks after your last session, you'll have appointments with an independent healthcare professional. They will ask you some questions to check your symptoms. This helps us see if the treatments are making a difference over time. If you are taking medication for your condition, you would need to continue taking it at the same dose throughout the 12-week study period. The total time you would be actively involved in the study, including follow-up, would be around 24 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you manage your OCD and tic symptoms better by reducing them. You would receive structured therapy sessions that might not otherwise be available to you. There are no known serious physical risks to participating. However, discussing your symptoms in therapy can sometimes be challenging or bring up difficult feelings, though the therapists are trained to support you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Tourettic OCD'?

Tourettic OCD refers to a situation where someone has both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and a tic disorder, such as Tourette’s Syndrome.

What are ERP and HRT?

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is a talking therapy for OCD that helps you gradually face fears without doing compulsions. HRT (Habit Reversal Training) is a therapy that teaches you ways to control or manage your tics.

Will I get to choose my treatment group?

No, participants are put into one of four treatment groups randomly, like drawing lots. This helps ensure the study results are fair and unbiased.

What if I'm already on medication?

It's generally fine if you're taking medication, but you would need to keep your medication and dose the same throughout the 12-week treatment period of the study.

How long will the study last for me?

You will have 12 weekly therapy sessions. We will check your symptoms at the start, at week 12, and again at week 24, so your involvement will be over about 24 weeks.

How to find out more

Dipesh Patel, MPhil / PhD

dipesh.patel.23@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0)20 3456 7890 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.