Mindfulness-based exposure group therapy for people with OCD
Official title: Mindfulness-Based Exposure Group Therapy for Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT07484750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests whether adding structured mindfulness training to exposure therapy helps people aged 16–55 with moderate-to-severe OCD stick with treatment and reduce symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07484750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people 16–55 years old with a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of OCD, a Y-BOCS score ≥16, at least junior high education level, and who are medication-free or stable on psychotropic medication for ≥8 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
People with other primary psychiatric disorders, active suicidal ideation or high suicide risk, severe medical or neurological conditions, current substance abuse, or who cannot attend in-person group sessions are unlikely to 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 interventional study delivers Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy (MBET), a group program that integrates structured mindfulness training with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. Eligible participants (age 16–55, primary OCD, Y-BOCS ≥16) are allocated to MBET or Treatment as Usual and complete baseline and follow-up clinical assessments at Shanghai Mental Health Center. Investigators hypothesize that mindfulness will improve emotion regulation and thereby increase patients' ability to engage in and complete exposure tasks, lowering dropout and symptom severity. The protocol tracks symptom change, adherence, and tolerability and excludes people with other primary psychiatric disorders, high suicide risk, serious medical/neurological illness, substance abuse, or pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MBET could offer a more tolerable way to complete exposure therapy and lead to greater symptom reduction and fewer dropouts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials that added mindfulness as an adjunct to ERP have shown mixed or limited benefits, so this more theory-driven integrated MBET approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a primary diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) according to DSM-5 criteria * Are between 16 and 55 years of age (inclusive) * Have a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) total score ≥ 16 * Have an education level of junior high school or above * Are medication-free or have been stabilized on psychotropic medication for at least 8 weeks * Have sufficient visual and auditory capabilities to complete study assessments * Are willing to participate and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Meet DSM-5 criteria for any other psychiatric disorder besides OCD * Have severe OCD symptoms that prevent completion of assessments * Exhibit active suicidal ideation or high suicide risk * Have a serious somatic disease, central nervous system disease, or substance abuse history * Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy * Have metal implants contraindicated for MRI (e.g., pacemakers, intracranial clips, metal dentures, arterial stents, joint fixations)
Where it's running
-
Shanghai mental health center
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhen Wang, MD
- Email: wangzhen@smhc.org.cn
- Phone: +8618017311286
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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.