Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial studies how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect the effectiveness of a common OCD therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP). Women will undergo therapy at various points in their cycle, and men will also participate for comparison. The goal is to see if timing therapy with hormonal changes can improve outcomes for women with OCD.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any psychotropic medications, as the trial requires that participants have not used them in the past 12 weeks.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exposure & Response Prevention (EX/RP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Research shows that Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) is considered the most effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with studies indicating that it helps reduce symptoms by encouraging patients to face their fears and resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.12345
Is exposure and response prevention (ERP) safe for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
How is the treatment Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) unique for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) is unique because it involves gradually exposing patients to their fears and preventing their usual compulsive responses, which helps them learn to manage anxiety without relying on compulsions. Unlike some other treatments, it focuses on behavior change rather than medication, and it can be combined with medication for enhanced effectiveness.347810
Research Team
Edna B Foa, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Helen B Simpson, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for men and women aged 18-45 with moderate to severe OCD. Women must have regular menstrual cycles and not be on psychotropic meds for the past 12 weeks. Participants can't use certain birth controls, be pregnant, or have conditions that conflict with MRI scans or elevate risks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Neuroimaging and Hormonal Assays
Participants complete neuroimaging, hormonal assays, and symptom ratings before starting EX/RP
Treatment
Participants receive a brief EX/RP protocol. Female participants are randomized to receive treatment during specific menstrual cycle phases.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in brain activation and OCD symptoms using fMRI and symptom scales
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Exposure & Response Prevention (EX/RP)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. / Columbia University
Collaborator
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Collaborator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.
Collaborator
New York University
Collaborator