Using CBT to help kids with OCD stop medication safely
Official title: CBT Augmentation to Promote Medication Discontinuation in Pediatric OCD
Run by Baylor College of Medicine · NCT05609916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if kids and teens with OCD can safely stop their medication after getting extra help from online therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 30, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05609916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 with a primary diagnosis of OCD who have been on stable SRI medication for at least 12 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric conditions or those currently receiving other forms of psychotherapy for OCD 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 investigates whether children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can safely discontinue their medication after receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) augmentation. Participants aged 7 to 17 who have been on stable serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) for at least 12 weeks will first undergo a web-based CBT program for 12 to 18 weeks. Those who show significant improvement will then be randomized to either continue their medication or gradually switch to a placebo while receiving ongoing CBT support for 24 weeks. The study also includes genomic sample banking for future research on OCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow pediatric patients with OCD to discontinue medication without experiencing a relapse.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of CBT and medication has shown effectiveness in treating OCD, this specific approach to medication discontinuation is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The child is between the ages of 7 to 17 at enrollment with a primary diagnosis of OCD of \> 6 months duration based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Lifetime Version for DSM-5 (KSADS-PL) and have a CY-BOCS ≥ 16. * The child is on stable and maximally tolerated SRI medication (i.e., clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram) for ≥12 weeks given that they are persistently and moderately symptomatic. Paroxetine is exclusionary due to safety concerns. * Both the child and parent participating in the study are English speaking. * Both the child and their parent participating in the study reside in Texas. Exclusion Criteria: * The child has a diagnosis of lifetime DSM-5 bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, and/or intellectual disability. * The child has severe current suicidal/homicidal ideation and/or self-injury requiring medical intervention. * The child is receiving concurrent psychotherapy for OCD. * Initiation of a psychotropic medication less than 4 weeks prior to study enrollment or a stimulant/psychoactive medication less than 2 weeks prior to study enrollment.
Where it's running
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Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eric A Storch, Ph.D.
- Email: eric.storch@bcm.edu
- Phone: 713-798-3080
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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.