Understanding why OCD therapy fails

Cognitive and Neural Networks in Psychiatry (CNNP): Neural Mechanisms of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment Failure (ERP in Silico)

University College, London · NCT05520398

This study is trying to understand why therapy sometimes doesn't work for people with OCD by looking at their brain activity and behavior before and after treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity College, London (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT05520398 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the neural mechanisms that contribute to treatment failure in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It will assess patients before and after undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), focusing on symptom severity and decision-making processes. By evaluating changes in behavior and symptom alleviation, the study seeks to enhance therapy outcomes for OCD patients. A total of 90 participants will be recruited at University College London's Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder who are fluent in English and are about to start therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with co-occurring conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, psychosis, or severe learning disabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for patients with OCD, enhancing their treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a specific aspect of OCD treatment, similar studies have shown promise in understanding therapy outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
* Fluent in written and spoken English
* Normal/corrected to normal vision
* Expecting to start OCD therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Autism spectrum disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, addiction, substance abuse, bipolar, hoarding, or Tourette disorder
* Hearing conditions: tinnitus, ear inflammation, hearing sensitivity, hearing loss, requires hearing aids
* Colour blindness
* Severe learning disabilities

Where this trial is running

London

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

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.