RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Comparing Exposure v Imagery Rescripting in People With OCD: a SCED

This study is for people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who experience distressing and unwanted thoughts or images about future events. These thoughts can be very upsetting and make daily life difficult. The research aims to compare two different types of talking therapy: 'imagery rescripting' and 'exposure therapy', to find out which one is more effective at helping people manage these specific types of intrusive thoughts and images. By understanding this, doctors hope to offer better, more tailored treatments for people with OCD, ultimately improving their quality of life. Participants will receive one of these therapies and their progress will be carefully observed.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

30 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

20 May 2025

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is this study about?

If you live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you might sometimes experience upsetting thoughts or pictures in your mind about things that could happen in the future. These can be very hard to shake off and can make you feel worried or distressed, getting in the way of your daily life. This study is trying to find the best way to help people who have these specific kinds of intrusive thoughts and images.

The researchers want to compare two different talking therapies. One is called 'imagery rescripting,' which involves changing upsetting images in your mind to make them less distressing. The other is 'exposure therapy,' which gently helps you face your fears and worries in a safe way, so they become less powerful over time. By seeing which of these works better for future-oriented thoughts and images in OCD, we can learn how to offer more effective and targeted support.

The goal of this research is to improve how we treat OCD. If we can understand which therapy is most helpful for these particular symptoms, healthcare professionals can then offer treatments that are more specifically designed for people like you. This could mean a real difference in how well people manage their OCD and how much it affects their lives.

Key takeaways

This study explores new treatments for specific OCD symptoms.
It focuses on upsetting future-oriented thoughts and images.
Two talking therapies will be compared: 'imagery rescripting' and 'exposure therapy'.
Participation involves therapy sessions and regular check-ins.
The goal is to improve understanding and treatment of OCD.
You can take part even if you are on stable antidepressant medication.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older and have been officially diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A key part of joining is that you must be experiencing upsetting thoughts or images about the future that you don't want, which cause you distress and interfere with your daily life. The study will check these things carefully.

There are certain situations that would mean you can't take part. For example, if you have other serious mental health conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, or a severe trauma disorder. Also, if you currently misuse certain drugs or alcohol, or have significant memory or thinking problems, you wouldn't be able to join. If a personality disorder is your main health concern, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, or are already having another talking therapy, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

It’s okay if you are taking antidepressant medication, as long as you've been on a steady dose for at least six weeks and don't plan to change it during the study. This helps make sure any changes seen in the study are due to the new therapy, not changes in your other medicines.

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.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
I experience upsetting, unwanted thoughts or images about what might happen in the future.
These thoughts or images cause me distress and affect my daily life.
I am not currently receiving another talking therapy for my OCD.
I do not have other serious mental health conditions like psychosis or severe trauma disorder.
If I take antidepressants, my dose has been steady for at least six weeks.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will first have an assessment to confirm your diagnosis and to make sure this study is right for you. If you qualify, you will then receive one of the two talking therapies (either 'imagery rescripting' or 'exposure therapy'). This will involve regular sessions with a therapist over a period of time. You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires or tasks before, during, and after the therapy sessions to track your progress and how you are feeling. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your participation will be explained to you fully before you commit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the potential benefit of receiving an active talking therapy for your OCD symptoms, which might help you manage distressing thoughts and images more effectively. However, as with any therapy, there's a chance you might experience some temporary discomfort or distress when discussing difficult topics. Sometimes, therapy can feel challenging before it starts to feel better. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of thoughts are they looking at in this study?

They are focusing on upsetting thoughts or images you have about things that might happen in the future, which you find hard to control and cause you distress.

Will I have to stop my current medication?

No, you don't need to stop your antidepressant medication, as long as the dose has been stable for at least six weeks and there are no plans to change it during the study.

What are the two therapies being compared?

The study is comparing 'imagery rescripting' (changing upsetting images in your mind) and 'exposure therapy' (gently facing your fears).

How long will my involvement in the study last?

The exact duration will depend on the therapy schedule and follow-up, but it will be clearly explained to you before you agree to take part.

Can I leave the study once I've started?

Yes, you are completely free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Talana Adams

talana.e.adams@kcl.ac.uk +44 20 7848 0002 Official trial record

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