Mindfulness-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for OCD: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Biological Predictors of Outcome

NA · Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT04914923

This study is testing a new mindfulness-based therapy for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder to see if it works better than standard treatments, especially for those who haven't found relief with traditional therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment420 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (other)
Locations2 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04914923 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It aims to address the limitations of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by incorporating mindfulness techniques, particularly for patients who have not fully responded to CBT. The study will be conducted over four years at two leading OCD treatment centers in Canada, utilizing a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of MBCT compared to standard treatments. The trial will include a diverse sample of participants experiencing significant OCD symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing clinically significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms with a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score greater than 17.

Not a fit: Patients with concurrent severe mood disorders, psychotic disorders, or those requiring urgent medical intervention may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for patients with OCD who do not respond adequately to existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for mindfulness-based interventions in treating OCD, but this trial aims to provide more robust evidence through a controlled design.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* experiencing clinically significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS; score \> 17)
* if on medications for OCD, must be stabilized, i.e. are currently receiving an adequate dose (equivalent of 40mg/day of fluoxetine) for an adequate duration (at least 8 weeks of treatment) prior to the initiation of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* concurrent diagnosis of a severe mood disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, or substance abuse/dependence
* suspected organic pathology
* an active comorbid medical condition that may require urgent intervention during the treatment.

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario and 1 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, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-based Intervention, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

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.