Comparing a new 4-day therapy to standard treatment for OCD

Four-day Intensive Treatment Versus Standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: a Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Trial

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT05608278

This study is testing a new 4-day therapy for OCD to see if it works just as well as the usual 14-week treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Stockholm and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05608278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, condensed cognitive behavioral therapy known as Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) against the traditional gold standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive standard CBT over 14 weeks or the intensive B4DT over just four days. The primary outcome will be measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) 14 weeks after treatment initiation, with secondary outcomes assessing cost-effectiveness, response rates, and potential negative effects. The study seeks to determine if B4DT is non-inferior to standard CBT in reducing OCD symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of OCD and a Y-BOCS score of 16 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with other planned psychological treatments for OCD, recent CBT experience, or certain psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more efficient treatment option for OCD, potentially reducing the time patients need to spend in therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for B4DT, but this is the first direct comparison with gold-standard CBT.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 18 years of age.
2. Primary diagnosis of OCD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5).
3. Clinician-rated Y-BOCS score of ≥ 16
4. Written informed consent.
5. To be willing and able to attend treatment at any one of the two treatment clinics, regardless of the clinic where the initial assessment took place (the two clinics are located at different locations in Stockholm, about 20 Km apart).
6. Be fluent in Swedish.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other psychological treatment for OCD planned during trial period.
2. Completed CBT with ERP for OCD in the last 12 months.
3. Changes in psychotropic medication within the last 2 months.
4. Bipolar disorder.
5. Psychosis.
6. Alcohol or substance dependence.
7. Organic brain disorder.
8. Hoarding disorder or OCD with primary hoarding symptoms.
9. Suicidal ideation that would warrant close monitoring.

Where this trial is running

Stockholm and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderCognitive Behavioral TherapyRandomized Controlled Trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.