Using cognitive bias modification to improve treatment for OCD

Interpretation Bias as a Mechanism of Treatment Response in OCD

NA · Mclean Hospital · NCT05224414

This study is testing if a new digital program that helps change how people think can improve treatment for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment106 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMclean Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Belmont, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05224414 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I) as an additional treatment for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CBM-I, which involves a digital intervention aimed at altering interpretation biases, or psychoeducation as a control. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcomes of the intervention over a series of sessions. The goal is to determine if this approach can enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with OCD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a primary diagnosis of OCD who are currently receiving treatment.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing acute symptoms of psychosis or with a psychotic disorder diagnosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with OCD by addressing cognitive biases.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of CBM-I may be novel, similar cognitive interventions have shown promise in improving treatment outcomes in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\) OCD Institute patients
* 2\) adults (\> 18 years old)
* 3\) able to complete a computer task for 20 minutes
* 4\) consent to main OCD Institute study protocol
* 5\) primary diagnosis of OCD (as measured by a score of \>16 on the Y-BOCS and a clinical diagnosis of OCD by their treatment team
* 6\) score of \>131 on the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 at admission \[which is 1 SD above the mean score of the non-clinical sample reported in the original validation paper by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group (2005)\]

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\) Currently experiencing acute symptoms of psychosis
* 2\) Psychotic disorder diagnosis

Where this trial is running

Belmont, Massachusetts

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.