Emotion-Focused ACT for OCD in Group Therapy
Official title: The Effect of Emotion-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptom Severity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital · NCT07622654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In adults with OCD, researchers will test whether Emotion-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) delivered in a group setting helps reduce OCD symptoms compared with a supportive group.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07622654 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with a DSM-5 OCD diagnosis who are literate and willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent changes in psychiatric treatment, comorbid psychotic disorders, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares an Emotion-Focused ACT group psychotherapy to an active supportive group therapy in adults with OCD. Each arm runs 10–12 weekly 2-hour sessions, with outcomes measured before and after treatment. Primary and secondary measures include OCD symptom scales, psychological flexibility, emotional awareness, functioning, and quality of life. Participants are recruited from a psychiatry outpatient clinic in Istanbul and randomly assigned to one of the two group therapies. The study uses standardized assessments to evaluate changes in symptom severity and related psychological constructs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the ACT-based group could lower OCD symptoms and improve quality of life for participants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests ACT-based approaches can help with OCD symptoms, but emotion-focused group formats for OCD are still being explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria * Age between 18-65 years * Minimum literacy level * Willingness to participate and providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Age over 65 years * Diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder * Comorbid psychotic disorder or intellectual disability * Any change in psychiatric treatment (medication or psychotherapy) in the last 3 months * Comorbid psychiatric disorder that would impair group therapy compliance * History of cognitive impairment due to dementia, organic brain syndrome or other neurological/organic pathology
Where it's running
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Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mehmet Emrah Karadere — Goztepe Prof Dr Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mehmet Emrah Karadere
- Email: memrahkaradere@gmail.com
- Phone: 05332651664
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.