RecruitingInterventional

Comparison of focused cognitive behavioural therapy and treatment as usual in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder

This study looks at a mental health condition called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which affects many people in the UK. OCD can cause upsetting thoughts and repetitive behaviours that make daily life difficult. The NHS offers talking therapies, but recovery rates could be better. This research compares a new, focused type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with the usual care patients receive for OCD. The main goal is to see if this new, focused CBT can lead to better recovery rates for adults aged 18 and over who have OCD as their primary concern. It also checks if it helps improve general mental well-being like anxiety and depression. The study is run by NHS Talking Therapies services.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

27 Jun 2027

Patients with a primary problem descriptor of obsessive compulsive disorder as identified at triage and confirmed at first assessment with therapist.

What is this study about?

OCD is a mental health condition where people experience unwanted, upsetting thoughts or images (called obsessions) and feel driven to do certain things repeatedly (called compulsions) to try and reduce their anxiety. These compulsions don't always make sense and can take up a lot of time, making it hard to get on with daily life. While talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are recommended by health guidelines, current recovery rates in NHS services could be better. This means that even with available treatments, many people still struggle significantly with their OCD.

This study aims to improve how effectively OCD is treated within NHS Talking Therapies services. Researchers are trying out a new approach called 'focused CBT,' which involves training therapists to deliver specific strategies for OCD. This focused CBT will use workbooks and help people understand their OCD better, offering new ways to manage their thoughts and behaviours. The study will compare this focused CBT with the standard treatment people currently receive in these services.

The main goal is to see if focused CBT helps more people recover from their OCD. They will also look at how it affects other aspects of mental health, like anxiety and depression, and overall daily functioning. By comparing these two approaches, the study hopes to find a more effective way to help people with OCD in the long run.

Key takeaways

Compares a new 'focused CBT' with usual OCD treatment.
Aims to improve recovery rates for adults with OCD.
Participants will receive an active form of talking therapy.
Run by NHS Talking Therapies services.
Results could help many people with OCD in the future.
Funded by the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be an adult aged 18 or older. Crucially, your main health concern must be Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), confirmed by the health professionals at the NHS Talking Therapies service.

You also need to have a good enough understanding of English to fill out forms and use any study materials, like workbooks. The treatment must be something you can access and engage with, for example, having internet access if needed for online resources.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For instance, if you can't give your consent freely, have problems with alcohol or drug use that would stop the therapy from working well and you're not willing to address it, or if you're experiencing an immediate risk to yourself or others that can't be safely managed. Being involved in another research study, recently changing antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication, or having a different long-term health condition as your main problem would also mean you couldn't take part.

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 18 years old or over?
Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) your main health concern?
Do you understand English well enough to participate in therapy sessions and use study materials?
Are you able to access and engage with the therapy (e.g., via internet if online materials are used)?
Are you not currently involved in another research study?
Have you not recently changed your antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication (within the last month)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are referred to one of the participating NHS Talking Therapies services with OCD as your main problem, you might be offered the chance to join this study. If you agree, you will be randomly assigned, like flipping a coin, to receive either the new 'focused CBT' or the 'treatment as usual'. Both are active talking therapies, meaning everyone gets a form of treatment. Therapists taking part will also be randomly assigned to deliver either focused CBT (after receiving special training) or usual care. Your treatment sessions will be with one of these therapists. All safety and privacy measures will follow standard NHS procedures, including recording your information in your NHS care records.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is designed to be safe, as all participants will receive an active treatment for their OCD, either the new focused CBT or standard care. The services will manage any concerns about safety, like safeguarding or thoughts of self-harm, according to usual NHS policies. One potential benefit of taking part is that you might receive a treatment that could be more effective in helping you with your OCD. This research also aims to improve recovery rates for OCD across NHS services, potentially helping many people in the future. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your NHS care.

Locations (1)

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

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a condition where people have upsetting, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repeat certain actions (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety.

What is 'focused CBT'?

Focused CBT is a specific type of talking therapy that uses proven strategies to help people understand and manage their OCD symptoms more effectively.

Where is the study happening?

This study is being run in two NHS Talking Therapies services in the UK.

Will I definitely get the new treatment?

No, if you join the study, you'll be randomly assigned to either receive the new focused CBT or the usual care provided by the NHS. It's like drawing lots.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in the UK.

How to find out more

Saarim Aslam

saarim.aslam@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk +44 (0)7919819678 Official trial record

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