Project EMPOWER-OCD for OCD

Overseen By Jenna Y Sung, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new online program for caregivers of individuals with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). The goal is to determine if this self-guided session can alleviate challenges such as time and cost, while also addressing how caregivers accommodate OCD behaviors. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will use the new program, and the other will receive general caregiving advice. Caregivers living with someone who has significant OCD symptoms and who are not already in family-based therapy might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to experience this innovative approach.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on caregivers of individuals with OCD and does not mention medication requirements.

Is there any evidence suggesting that Project EMPOWER-OCD is likely to be safe?

Research shows that Project EMPOWER-OCD is an online program designed for caregivers of people with OCD. Currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial, the program is in the early stages of testing with participants. This phase primarily assesses safety, so detailed information about side effects or risks may be limited.

However, as an online program, Project EMPOWER-OCD is likely easy to use and safe. Online programs generally pose fewer risks than medications. Previous studies have not reported any serious side effects or problems with similar programs.

In summary, while specific safety data for this new program is limited, its online format and purpose suggest it should be safe and easy for participants to use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Project EMPOWER-OCD because it offers a fresh approach to treating OCD by focusing on caregivers. Unlike traditional therapies like CBT or medication, which directly target the individual with OCD, this web-based intervention is designed to help caregivers reduce accommodation behaviors. The program is quick, taking only 20-25 minutes, and is easily accessible online. This novel focus on caregiver involvement could potentially lead to more effective management of OCD symptoms in the long run.

What evidence suggests that Project EMPOWER-OCD could be effective for OCD?

Research shows that excessive behavioral adjustments by caregivers to accommodate a loved one's OCD can worsen symptoms. In this trial, participants may receive Project EMPOWER-OCD, an online program designed to reduce such behavior. It includes a short, self-guided session to help caregivers manage their stress and reactions. While specific results for this program are still being gathered, similar programs have shown promise in lowering caregiver stress and improving patient outcomes. Reducing accommodation has been linked to better OCD management, making this approach a potentially valuable tool. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Project EMPOWER-OCD is for caregivers over 18 years old who live with and provide daily care to someone with significant OCD symptoms, as indicated by a specific assessment score. Caregivers must speak English and not be involved in concurrent family-based CBT treatment for the patient's OCD.

Inclusion Criteria

The individual they are caring for have clinically significant OCD symptoms, indicated by a score a 16 or above on the self-reported Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale - Parent Report (CY-BOCS-PR)

Speak, read, and write English

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Does not speak English

Participation in concurrent family-based CBT treatment for the patient's OCD

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

Intervention

Participants complete a single, self-guided session of Project EMPOWER-OCD online, aimed at reducing accommodation in caregivers of OCD patients

20-25 minutes

1 session (online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver stress and family accommodation at 2-week and 4-week intervals

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Project EMPOWER-OCD

Trial Overview The study tests Project EMPOWER-OCD, an online self-guided intervention aimed at reducing caregiver accommodation of OCD behaviors. It contrasts this approach with Project CARE, assessing acceptability and effectiveness across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Project EMPOWER-OCD Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Project EMPOWER-OCD is a web-based intervention for caregivers that takes about 20-25 minutes to complete that reduces accommodation.

Group II: Project CARE Active Control 1 Intervention

This active psychoeducation-based SSI will provide general information on caregiving and caregiver mental health.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University Charles River Campus

Lead Sponsor

Trials

125

Recruited

14,100+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07158801

Study Details | NCT07158801 | Project EMPOWER-OCD This research study aims to adapt and evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of Project EMPOWER-OCD for socioeconomically diverse ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-1-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-9-2025-a4987

Project EMPOWER-OCD for OCD · Info for Participants This research study aims to adapt and evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of Project EMPOWER-OCD for socioeconomically diverse caregivers of ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3932438/

LONG-TERM OUTCOME IN ADULTS WITH OBSESSIVE ... Available studies suggest that 32–74% of adult OCD patients will experience clinical improvement over the long term.

4. iocdf.org iocdf.org/research-area/treatment/

Treatment Archives A web-based single session intervention to reduce caregiver distress and accommodation in socioeconomically diverse caregivers of OCD patients: Project EMPOWER- ...

5. paloaltou.edu paloaltou.edu/resources/translating-research-into-practice-blog/erp-for-ocd-what-we-know-so-far

ERP for OCD: What We Know So Far Explore the latest research on OCD treatment options, from psychotherapies to digital interventions. Discover promising strategies and technologies for ...

6. osiresearch.org.uk osiresearch.org.uk/ocd-empower/

The OCD Empower Project - OSI This project aims to evaluate a brief online therapist guided, parent-led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment for children with Obsessive ...

7. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11254280

Project Details - NIH RePORTER Meta-analyses consistently find large ERP effects, with about half of treatment completers attaining complete remission. Yet, up to 40% of patients do not fully ...