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Improving functioning in veterans with OCD using therapy

Exposure and Response Prevention to Improve Functioning in Veterans With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05240924

This study is testing if a special therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention can help veterans with OCD feel better and improve their daily lives compared to a stress management program.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development (fed)
Locations18 sites (East Orange, New Jersey and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05240924 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy in improving functioning, quality of life, and OCD symptoms among veterans diagnosed with OCD, including those with comorbid PTSD. Over four years, 160 veterans will be randomized to receive either ERP or a control condition of stress management training, with assessments conducted post-treatment and six months later. The study also includes a qualitative evaluation of veterans' perceptions of treatment impact and the implementation potential of ERP in VA mental health settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans with a primary diagnosis of OCD, with or without comorbid PTSD, who are receiving care from specified VA medical centers.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment, current psychosis, or severe substance use issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance the quality of life and functioning of veterans suffering from OCD and PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: While ERP is a well-established treatment for OCD, this specific application among veterans with comorbid PTSD has not been extensively tested, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veterans having a primary diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)(50% of sample) and comorbid OCD and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (50% of sample) who are receiving care from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, TX; the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC; the VISN 20 Clinical Resource Hub which provides telehealth services to Washington, Oregon, and Alaska: the VISN 2 Clinical Resource Hub which provides telehealth services to New Jersey, New York, and northern Pennsylvania, and the VISN 6 Clinical Resource Hub which provides telehealth services to North Carolina and Virginia.
* Willingness to participate in Exposure and Response Prevention(ERP)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant cognitive impairment or conditions that threaten safety (current psychosis, mania, imminent suicidality including plan or intent, and treatment-interfering moderate to severe substance use).
* Potential participants taking psychotropic medications must be on a stable dose of these medications for at least 6 weeks prior to study enrollment.

Where this trial is running

East Orange, New Jersey and 17 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and OCD, OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Worry, Compulsion, Stress

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.