RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Brief Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Adolescent OCD in Routine Clinical Practice

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be tough for young people, causing upsetting thoughts and repetitive actions. While talking therapy (CBT) helps, it's hard to get. This study explores a brief, 5-session CBT program delivered within NHS mental health services for 11-18 year olds with OCD. We want to see if this shorter therapy is practical, if young people, parents, and therapists find it helpful, and if it significantly reduces OCD symptoms. This includes young people who also have autism. The study will follow around 20-30 young people over 24 weeks to understand their experiences and measure how well the treatment works and how acceptable it is.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

02 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2026

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)CBT

What is this study about?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a condition that affects many young people. It can cause upsetting and unwanted thoughts, pictures, or urges, often followed by repetitive actions or behaviours done to try and ease their discomfort or prevent something bad from happening. While a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended for young people with OCD, it can sometimes be difficult to access due to long waiting times and limited therapists.

This study is looking at a shorter version of CBT for young people aged 11 to 18 who have OCD. This brief CBT has shown good results in earlier research, and now we want to see if it works just as well and is easy to deliver within regular NHS mental health services (CAMHS). We'll also check if young people, their parents, and the therapists find it helpful and acceptable, especially for those young people who also have autism. This is important because it could help make effective treatment more available to everyone who needs it.

The study aims to see if this five-session CBT program (with an option for two extra top-up sessions) can be successfully used in the NHS. It involves face-to-face sessions with a trained therapist, supported by workbooks for the young person and their parents. The therapy focuses on understanding OCD, setting goals, and developing ways to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. We will follow around 20-30 young people to see if their OCD symptoms improve and gather feedback on their experiences.

Key takeaways

New study testing a shorter CBT therapy for young people with OCD.
Aimed at 11 to 18-year-olds in NHS mental health services.
Involves 5 main therapy sessions and special workbooks.
Checks if therapy is practical, acceptable, and effective.
Especially interested in helping young people who also have autism.
Could help make OCD treatment more accessible in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be a young person aged between 11 and 18 years old. You should have been diagnosed with OCD, and it should be your main health concern. It's important that you are able to speak and read English well enough to understand the therapy materials and workbooks. You also need to be willing to take part in the treatment and follow the study's requirements.

Your parents or guardians also need to be willing to give permission for you to join and be able to participate, for example, by reading a special workbook for parents. If you are already taking medication for your OCD, the dose needs to have been stable for at least six weeks before you would start the study.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your health risks can't be safely managed within the study setup, or if you have learning difficulties that would make it hard to take part in the therapy's thinking exercises. Also, if you're currently receiving other psychological therapy for your OCD, you wouldn't be able to join this study.

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 11 and 18 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of OCD, and is it your main problem?
Can you read and speak English well enough to understand therapy materials?
Are you willing and able to take part in the therapy sessions?
Are your parents/carers willing to support your involvement and participate if needed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would receive a brief type of CBT therapy for your OCD. This therapy involves five main sessions, with the option of two extra 'booster' sessions if needed, spread over about 24 weeks. Each session would last between 60 to 90 minutes and would be delivered by a trained therapist either at a clinic or another agreed place like your home or school. You'll also be given workbooks to complete between sessions, and your parents/carers will get a workbook too, to help support you.

Initially, the sessions will be weekly for the first four sessions, and then they will be spaced out more. Throughout the 24 weeks, your OCD symptoms and how you are feeling will be checked at the start, after 12 weeks, and again at 24 weeks. You'll also answer a few questions before each therapy session. Some young people, parents, and therapists will also be asked to have an interview to share their experiences of the therapy.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you reduce your OCD symptoms and learn new ways to manage your condition. You would also be contributing to important research that could improve how young people with OCD are treated in the future, making effective therapies more available. As with any new therapy, there's a chance it might not work for everyone, and discussing distressing thoughts and feelings can sometimes be challenging. However, the therapy is delivered by trained clinicians, and measures are in place to ensure your safety. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (3)

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

AnDY Research Clinic
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Department of Experimental Psychology
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
AnDY Research Clinic Oxford
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It causes unwanted, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions) done to relieve anxiety or prevent bad things from happening.

What is CBT?

CBT is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a type of talking therapy that helps you understand and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

How long does the therapy last?

The main part of the therapy involves five sessions, with an option for two extra sessions, over a total period of about 24 weeks.

Will my parents be involved?

Yes, your parents or carers will be involved, provided with their own workbook, and encouraged to support you during the therapy.

Can I join if I also have autism?

Yes, this study specifically wants to see if this brief CBT is helpful for young people with OCD, including those with autism or strong autistic traits.

How to find out more

Polly Waite

polly.waite@psy.ox.ac.uk +441865 271430 Official trial record

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