Effectiveness of focused CBT for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Randomised Parallel Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Focused CBT versus Treatment as Usual for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
IRAS ID
357922
Contact name
Roberta McGuinness
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 20 days
Research summary
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental health problem. People with mild to moderate OCD symptoms are often treated in NHS talking therapy (NHSTT) services, where they are offered a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is the NICE recommended treatment for OCD. However, many patients treated in NHSTT services do not get better. This study aims to see whether offering a new form of CBT for OCD which is closer to the NICE recommended protocol (referred to here as focused CBT) and delivered alongside workbook modules will improve recovery rates. To do this, we will train therapists in two NHSTT services to deliver focused CBT for OCD.
Research questions this study will answer: (1) Is there a difference in how much participants OCD symptoms improve between individuals with OCD who receive focused CBT from trained psychological wellbeing practitioners compared to those who receive treatment as usual (TAU) and (2) Is there a difference in how much participants general mental health improves (anxiety, depression, and general functioning) between individuals with OCD treated with focused CBT compared to TAU?
Why is it important? It may help to improve OCD recovery rates in local NHSTT and psychological treatment for OCD.
Design: Randomised Control Trial (PWPs and participants will be allocated to condition by chance).
What is involved? PWPs will be randomly (by chance) allocated to either provide focused CBT or TAU to people with OCD. Those in the focused CBT condition will receive training on how to deliver this treatment. Participants (people with OCD as their main difficulty) will be allocated to a treatment condition randomly (by chance) and have treatment sessions with PWPs.
Funding: The Biomedical Research Centre has provided funding for a post-doc to support the present study.
Recruitment: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire NHSTT.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0107
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion