Family-based CBT self-help program for adolescents with OCD
Effect of a Family-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Intervention for Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder：A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether a family-based CBT self-help book plus stable medication helps adolescents aged 10 to 17 reduce OCD symptoms more than medication alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Xuhui, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT06942494 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adolescents with DSM-5 OCD and moderate symptom severity (CY-BOCS 16–23) who have been on stable medication for at least six weeks will be enrolled with a parent partner. Participants assigned to the intervention will read one chapter and complete the corresponding exercise each week for 12 weeks while continuing their medication; a comparison group will continue medication alone. Clinical assessments and tests will be done at the clinic before and after the 12-week intervention to measure change in obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The trial seeks to identify which adolescents benefit most from a bibliotherapy, family-based approach as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adolescents aged 10–17 with DSM-5 OCD, moderate symptom severity (CY-BOCS 16–23), on stable medication for at least six weeks, with at least one parent able to participate and both able to read and complete exercises.
Not a fit: Patients with very severe OCD (CY-BOCS ≥24), high suicide risk, major neurodevelopmental or psychotic comorbidities, or who cannot engage in regular reading/exercises or clinic visits are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could give families an accessible, low-cost way to reduce adolescent OCD symptoms and expand treatment options beyond clinic-based therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Family-based CBT is an established effective treatment for adolescent OCD, and prior bibliotherapy/self-help studies have shown mixed but promising results, generally stronger in adults than in adolescents.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 10 and 17 years 2. Satisfied with the diagnostic criteria for OCD in DSM-5 3. 16≤CY-BOCS score ≤23 4. Taking medication stably for 6 weeks 5. Education level ⩾6 years 6. At least one parent can accompany the patients throughout the entire intervention process 7. The patient and the participating parent have sufficient reading and writing skills to complete the treatment intervention 8. The patient and the participating parent have adequate auditory and visual abilities skills to complete the necessary examinations for the study (7) Right-handed (this criterion is for fMRI subjects only) (8) Subjects and their guardians understood the study and signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were too severe to participate in the experiment(CY-BOCS score ≥24) 2. High risk of suicide 3. Comorbid brain organic diseases, severe somatic diseases, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, severe eating disorders, or substance abuse 4. Completed a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) course for OCD within the past 12 months. 5. An IQ lower than 80 6. Currently undergoing other psychological/physical treatments 7. Uncooperative or unable to complete treatment 8. With metal implants in the body, such as pacemakers, intracranial silver clips, metal dentures, arterial stents, arterial clips, joint metal fixation, or other metal implants, etc. (this criterion is for fMRI subjects only)
Where this trial is running
Xuhui, Shanghai Municipality
- Shanghai Mental Health Center — Xuhui, Shanghai Municipality, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yiwen Wu
- Email: wuyiwenhsd@163.com
- Phone: +86 135 8590 0231
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.