Employment Services for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) find and maintain employment. Participants will undergo exposure and response prevention therapy, a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD. The trial will compare two employment support models: Individual Placement and Support (personalized job assistance) and Standard Vocational Services (general job assistance). It suits those living in New York State who are currently unemployed, have a primary diagnosis of OCD, and seek competitive employment. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative employment support strategies tailored for individuals with OCD.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are currently on psychiatric medication, you need to be on a stable dose for at least 6 weeks and stay on that dose for the first three months of the therapy.
What prior data suggests that these employment service models are safe for people with OCD?
Research has shown that Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a therapy used in this trial, is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies indicate that ERP significantly improves OCD symptoms without causing serious side effects. It is widely accepted as a first-choice treatment for OCD. Approximately 50-60% of patients who complete ERP experience major improvements. Therefore, it is generally considered a safe option for managing OCD.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) because they combine employment support with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically the Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) approach. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on CBT for OCD, this trial integrates job placement support, which is a novel approach. The experimental arm utilizes Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which involves personalized help from an employment specialist, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of CBT by addressing employment challenges that can exacerbate OCD symptoms. This dual approach could provide a more holistic solution by simultaneously targeting mental health and employment needs.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for OCD?
Research has shown that exposure and response prevention (ERP), a type of therapy, effectively treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies indicate that about 60-90% of people who undergo ERP experience a significant reduction in their OCD symptoms. The positive effects of ERP often persist, with many individuals continuing to feel better over time. Additionally, research confirms that ERP is generally safe, with no serious side effects reported. In this trial, participants will receive ERP alongside different employment services. One group will receive Standard Vocational Services plus ERP, while another group will receive Individual Placement and Support plus ERP. The study primarily focuses on how well ERP improves OCD symptoms.15678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sapana R Patel, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
The New York State Psychiatric Institute
Blair Simpson, MD, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
The New York State Psychiatric Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults diagnosed with OCD who are currently unemployed and want to find regular work. If taking psychiatric medication, they must be on a stable dose and willing to keep it unchanged during therapy.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD, consisting of exposure and response prevention over 12 weeks
Vocational Support
Participants receive either Standard Vocational Services (SVS) or Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for employment assistance over 12 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for work and clinical outcomes at 6, 9, and 12-month time points
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exposure and Response Prevention
- Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
- Standard Vocational Services
Trial Overview
The study compares two job support programs—Individual Placement and Support (IPS) versus standard vocational services (SVS)—for people with OCD. All participants also receive up to 12 sessions of specialized CBT called exposure and response prevention.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Individual Placement and Support includes support in finding employment with support from an IPS employment specialist over 12 months. Cognitive Behavior Therapy for OCD consists of a standard course of exposure and response prevention over 12 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance sessions for 12 months.
Standard vocational services includes support in finding employment with support from the American Jobs Center over 12 months. Cognitive Behavior Therapy for OCD consists of a standard course of exposure and response prevention over 12 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance sessions for 12 months.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Lead Sponsor
Citations
The effectiveness of exposure and response prevention ... - PMC
This study confirmed the feasibility of ERP combined with medication in improving obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depressive mood in patients with OCD, but ...
Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of ... - PMC
Overall, about 50–60% of patients who complete ERP treatment show clinically significant improvement in OCD symptoms– and treatment gains have shown to be ...
An outcome study of an intensive, out-patient exposure and ...
We examined short- and long-term outcomes of the Melbourne Intensive Treatment-OCD (MIT-O) program, an out-patient intensive ERP program for OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive ...
Research confirms that Ex/RP leads to major and lasting improvements in OCD symptoms. Reports indicate no serious side effects, making it a safe choice for many ...
Exposure Therapy in Mixed Reality for Obsessive ...
In this single-center randomized clinical trial including 36 patients, MERP did not significantly reduce OCD symptom severity compared with an active control ...
Exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive ...
Although the current guidelines recommend ERP as the first-line treatment for OCD, only about half of the patients who receive it will reach complete symptom ...
The effectiveness of exposure and response prevention ...
Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention (ERP) combined with medication on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) ...
Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD
Research has shown that Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a safe and well-accepted treatment for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
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