Predicting the effectiveness of online therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Official title: ITreatOCD: Predicting the Efficacy of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Changes in the Neurobiological Correlates of Emotion Regulation in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Run by University of Minho · NCT05906069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if online therapy can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel better by comparing their progress to those who are not receiving the treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minho Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Braga, Gualtar) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2, 2023 |
| Main results expected | September 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 27, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05906069 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD, a YBOCS score of 16 or higher, and stable psychotropic medication for at least two months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications for MRI, a history of neurological disorders, recent CBT treatment, or current psychological treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by conducting comprehensive clinical and neuroimaging assessments. Sixty OCD patients and sixty healthy controls will undergo baseline evaluations before being randomly assigned to either the iCBT intervention or a waiting list control group. The iCBT program consists of ten structured modules and three videoconferencing psychotherapy sessions, focusing on emotion regulation and associated neurobiological mechanisms. The study will also explore potential biomarkers for treatment response through multimodal neuroimaging assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel and effective online treatment option for patients with OCD, improving their emotional regulation and reducing symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnosis of current OCD according to the fifth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders * YBOCS score ≥ 16 * Psychotropic medication, if stable for at least 2 months prior to inclusion and if the dosage is maintained thoughout the study * Have the resources to access the online intervention (internet access; computer or tablet) Exclusion Criteria: * MRI contraindications * Prior medical history of neurological disorders or traumatic brain injury * Having performed CBT treatment for OCD in the last 2 years * Undergoing any psychological treatment * Suicidal ideation * Current alcohol or drug abuse
Where it's running
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Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho
Braga, Gualtar, Portugal Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pedro Morgado, M.D, Ph.D. — Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho
- Study coordinator: Pedro Morgado, M.D, Ph.D.
- Email: pedromorgado@med.uminho.pt
- Phone: +351 253 604 931
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound targeting the subthalamic nucleus for OCD
A short test is being done to see if a wearable, non-invasive ultrasound device can safely and tolerably help adults with OCD by targeting a brain region called the subthalamic nucleus.
-
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for OCD Delivered Online
This study tests a synchronous online MBCT program for adults with OCD to see if it is acceptable and feasible and to explore links between biological markers, OCD severity, and treatment response.
-
Targeted brain stimulation for OCD: test of tTIS on nucleus accumbens
This study tests whether targeted temporal interference stimulation of the nucleus accumbens can help reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults with OCD, compared with sham stimulation.
-
Anxiety Skills Study: See if video skill training plus therapy helps people with anxiety
This study tests whether a brief video-based skill training can help people with anxiety as well as four therapy sessions, and how durable the effects are over a year.
-
AttunE LIFU for OCD: a non-invasive brain stimulation study
This trial tests ATTN201, a wearable ultrasound headband, to see if it helps adults with OCD compared to a sham treatment.
-
Combined ERP and Habit Reversal Therapy for Tourettic OCD
This study tests whether a merged Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Therapy helps adults with Tourettic OCD more than either therapy alone or basic psychoeducation.
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.