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Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Combined ERP and Habit Reversal Therapy for Tourettic OCD

Official title: Integrating Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Techniques to Treat a Tourettic Subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Tourettic OCD)

Run by University College London Hospitals · NCT07725926 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether a merged Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Therapy helps adults with Tourettic OCD more than either therapy alone or basic psychoeducation.

More Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity College London Hospitals
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (London, London and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 8, 2026
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2027
Study endsFebruary 1, 2030
Registry record updatedJuly 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT07725926 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of a tic disorder or OCD and elevated symptom severity (Y-BOCS ≥ 16 and PUTS ≥ 5) may be eligible.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with active substance misuse, certain psychiatric conditions, or contraindications to trial participation may receive no direct benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with co-occurring obsessive-compulsive symptoms and tic disorders are randomized to one of four groups: combined ERP and HbRT, ERP alone, HbRT alone, or psychoeducation. All participants receive 12 weekly 50-minute sessions, in person or remotely, and outcomes are measured by independent clinicians at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks using the Y-BOCS and YGTSS scales. The trial aims to determine if a unified psychological approach better reduces OCD and tic symptoms than single therapies or supportive education. Primary focus is on Tourettic OCD, a subtype where both symptom domains are prominent. The study is conducted under the supervision of a major UK academic medical center network.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience greater reduction in OCD and tic symptoms and improved daily functioning through a single, integrated therapy approach.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for ERP and HbRT separately; this study tests a combined approach which is relatively novel in TOCD.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years or older
2. All genders
3. Confirmation of a primary diagnosis of either:

a. Tourettes Disorder / Tourette Syndrome b. Persistent Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder / Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder c. Provisional Tic Disorder / Transient Motor Tics d. Other Specified Tic Disorder e. Unspecified Tic Disorder f. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder \[d\] Participants taking psychotropic medication are eligible provided medication type and dose remain stable throughout the intervention period \[e\] Ability to provide sustained informed consent \[f\] A minimum score of 16 on YBOCS \[g\] A minimum score of 5 on the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Substance misuse
2. Current diagnosis of a personality disorder
3. Schizophrenia
4. Bipolar disorder
5. Contraindications to participation in a trial (i.e., active suicidal ideations and/or requirement of an interpreter)
6. Any psychiatric or neurological condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with participation or interpretation of study outcomes.

Where it's running

  • University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    London, London, United Kingdom     Recruiting
  • University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology
    London, London, United Kingdom     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.