COG-OCD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Progression in OCD: Impulsivity, Compulsivity, and Habit Learning Across Duration of Untreated Illness
IRAS ID
367106
Contact name
Ana Maria Frota Lisboa Pereira De Souza
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
https://osf.io/5cpgz, Open Science Framework
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 24 days
Research summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where people experience unwanted and distressing thoughts, images or feelings (obsessions) and may feel driven to do repeated behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions). OCD can be long lasting and can have a major impact on everyday life. Although treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help, only around half of people show a strong improvement. OCD also places a large cost burden on the NHS.
This study aims to improve understanding of thinking and behaviour patterns linked to OCD, and whether these patterns differ depending on how long someone has had OCD before receiving treatment. This period is called the “Duration of Untreated Illness” (DUI). In OCD, DUI averages around 6.7 years and longer untreated OCD is linked to poorer outcomes and greater treatment resistance.
We will look at three key processes: impulsivity (acting quickly without thinking), compulsivity (finding it hard to stop repeated behaviours even when they are no longer helpful), and habit learning (behaviours becoming more automatic over time).
Participants will read an information sheet, provide consent, and complete an online screening questionnaire. Eligible participants will then complete questionnaires about symptoms, wellbeing and daily functioning, along with three short computer-based thinking tasks.Recruitment will take place through NHS and community mental health services, OCD charities, the Orchard OCD Registry, university adverts and social media. By comparing the processes of impulsivity, compulsivity, and habit learning across different DUI lengths, the study may help identify patterns that could support more personalised treatments in the future.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
26/WS/0097
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion