Family involvement in cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD

Impact of Involvement of the Family in the Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Ghent · NCT04071990

This study is testing whether including family members in group therapy can help people with OCD feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent)
Trial IDNCT04071990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of involving family members in cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It aims to assess how family participation can influence OCD symptoms, family accommodation, and overall quality of life over a 12-week treatment period. Eighty patients aged 18-65 with a confirmed OCD diagnosis will be paired with their live-in family members, who will also participate in the therapy sessions. The study will utilize randomization to compare standard CBGT with family-involved CBGT.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of OCD and a minimum score of 16 on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.

Not a fit: Patients with severe suicidality, substance abuse issues, psychotic symptoms, or those currently receiving deep brain stimulation for OCD may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for OCD patients by reducing symptoms and enhancing family dynamics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for family involvement in therapy for OCD, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* the OCD patient with a score of at least 16 on Y-BOCS
* patient and family member fluent in Dutch
* patient and family member both willing to attend all treatment sessions together.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current severe suicidality
* current substance abuse
* psychotic symptoms and
* OCD treated with deep brain stimulation

Where this trial is running

Ghent

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 DisorderFamily based interventionCognitive behavioral group therapyExposure and response preventionFamily accommodation
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.