Using cognitive bias modification to improve treatment for OCD
Official title: Interpretation Bias as a Mechanism of Treatment Response in OCD
Run by Mclean Hospital · NCT05224414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mclean Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belmont, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 30, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05224414 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a primary diagnosis of OCD who are currently receiving treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients experiencing acute symptoms of psychosis or with a psychotic disorder diagnosis 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 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.
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 gone: While the specific approach of CBM-I may be novel, similar cognitive interventions have shown promise in improving treatment outcomes in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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McLean Hospital
Belmont, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Martha Falkenstein, PhD
- Email: mfalkenstein@mclean.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-855-4424
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Combined ERP and Habit Reversal Therapy for Tourettic OCD
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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.