A Feasibility Study of Brief Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Adolescent OCD in Routine Clinical Practice
Aims: The trial has two primary aims: To establish whether brief CBT for OCD can be delivered with fidelity and acceptability by clinicians in NHS services, and is acceptable to young people and their families. To explore whether the intervention is associated with significant improvements in OCD symptoms for young people, including those with autism or high levels of autistic traits. Trial
Design: The study is a single-arm feasibility trial. Between 20-30 young people aged 11-18 years will be recruited alongside their parents/carers. Approximately 8-10 clinicians will be trained to deliver the intervention. OCD symptoms, treatment processes, and acceptability will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment (12 weeks), and at 3-month follow-up (24 weeks). Additional measures will be collected before each therapy session. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with young people, parents/carers, and clinicians to understand their experiences of the intervention. Acceptability will also be measured using standardised questionnaires completed during and after treatment. Outcomes: The primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, assessed through session attendance, participant engagement, clinician adherence, and feedback from young people, parents/carers, and clinicians. Secondary outcomes include changes in OCD symptoms, responsibility beliefs, family accommodation, and overall functioning, as well as measures of anxiety and depression. Data will be analysed to assess changes from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up, including for young people with and without autistic traits. Treatment adherence and clinician competence will also be evaluated.
⁃ Young people:
• Willing and able to give informed assent (if aged 11-15 years, and parent/carer consent is provided) or consent (if aged 16-18 years) for participation in the study.
• Aged 11 to 18 years at the time of recruitment.
• Diagnosed with OCD using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) and OCD has been identified as the primary problem.
• If on pharmacotherapy for OCD, then stable dose for at least 6 weeks prior to trial entry.
• Able to speak and read English at a sufficient level to be able to read and understand the workbooks and materials and complete exercises in the workbooks.
• Willing to engage in the treatment.
• In the Investigator's opinion, is able and willing to comply with all trial requirements.
• Willing to allow his or her General Practitioner and consultant, if appropriate, to be notified of participation in the trial.
⁃ Parents/carers:
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent for their child's participation in the study.
• Able to read the parent/carer workbook and materials.
• Willing and able to participate.
⁃ Clinicians:
• Working within a participating NHS or NHS-commissioned service.
• Have a professional qualification in psychological therapy that includes training in CBT at or above post-graduate certificate level.
• Willing to participate.
• Clinical capacity and managerial approval to participate