Personalized cognitive training for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Effects of Multi-session, Personalized Cognitive Bias Modification for Thought-Action-Fusion Among Adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee · NCT06731426

This study is testing a personalized training program to see if it can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder by changing how they think about their thoughts.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (other)
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT06731426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a personalized cognitive bias modification (CBM) approach targeting thought-action-fusion (TAF) in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a CBM-TAF group, a stress management psychoeducation group, or a waitlist control group. The intervention consists of six training sessions over three weeks, utilizing an ambiguous-sentence completion task and animated videos to enhance learning. Assessments will be conducted before, after, and one month following the training to evaluate changes in OCD symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a score of 18 or higher on the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce OCD symptoms by altering harmful cognitive biases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that cognitive bias modification can effectively alter cognitive processes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A score of 18 or higher on the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS)
* Aged 18 or higher
* Access to a mobile device (i.e., smartphone)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported visual impairment that cannot be adjusted and will prevent them from clearly recognizing words and pictures on mobile screen
* Self-reported history of a bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder on a Diagnostic History Scale (DHS)
* Inability to adequately understand the study procedure as determined by the responses to comprehension questions provided at the time of the consent

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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: OCD, Cognitive Bias Modification, Personalization

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.