Improving functioning in veterans with obsessive-compulsive disorder through therapy
Official title: Exposure and Response Prevention to Improve Functioning in Veterans with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-11191410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well a therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) works for veterans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially since many also deal with PTSD and have trouble getting to therapy; by using video calls for therapy, the researchers want to see if this helps veterans manage their OCD better compared to a group learning stress management techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003677-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly those who may also have posttraumatic stress disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have OCD or those who are not veterans may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a leading therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specifically tailored for veterans. It aims to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, including high rates of comorbidity with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and barriers to accessing traditional therapy. The study will utilize video telehealth to deliver ERP, allowing veterans to engage in therapy from home and focus on real-life OCD triggers. By comparing outcomes of ERP with a control group receiving stress management training, the research seeks to determine the best approach to improve daily functioning and quality of life for veterans suffering from OCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the mental health and daily functioning of veterans with OCD, leading to improved quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While ERP is a well-established treatment for OCD, this specific approach using video telehealth for veterans is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Terri Lynn — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Terri Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exposure and Response Prevention for Veterans with OCD (via video), to help daily functioning
A Veterans-focused program tests video-delivered ERP therapy to help people with OCD and sometimes PTSD feel more able to work and enjoy daily life.
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Understanding and improving fear and safety learning in OCD
A study at Yale will test brain-based methods to help adults with OCD improve safety learning and fear extinction during therapy.
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Understanding OCD: how people control distressing thoughts and urges
A research team is exploring how the brain and behavior work together in OCD to reduce distress and urge-driven actions.
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Neural training to improve stopping impulses in OCD and related conditions
A new computer-based training helps people with OCD, trichotillomania, or skin picking disorders improve their ability to stop automatic urges.
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How genes affect obsessive-compulsive disorder in people of Latin American ancestry
This project looks at how genetic differences influence OCD risk in people with Latin American ancestry.
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Pinpointing brain areas and cell types linked to OCD, Tourette, and anorexia with genetics
A short, patient-friendly project that looks at how genes are connected to OCD, Tourette syndrome, and anorexia nervosa to understand which brain regions and cells are involved.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.