Predicting the effectiveness of online therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder

ITreatOCD: Predicting the Efficacy of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Changes in the Neurobiological Correlates of Emotion Regulation in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Not applicable Interventional University of Minho · NCT05906069

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minho Academic / other
Locations1 site (Braga, Gualtar)
Trial IDNCT05906069 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: Other studies have shown promising results with internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Braga, Gualtar

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.
Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive Disorderobsessive-compulsive disorderocdneuroimagingemotion regulationinternet-based cognitive behavioral therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.