Methods for Managing Intrusive Thoughts

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

In brief

The current study sought to translate laboratory research on learning and memory to better understand the mechanisms and methods for implementing exposure therapy for unwanted obsessional thoughts. Specifically, we compared the processes and the short- and long-term outcomes of: (a) gradual exposure (EXP-G), emphasizing hierarchical exposure completion, versus (b) variable exposure (EXP-V), emphasizing variability in exposure intensity.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03416504

Run by

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

People needed

40

Starts

2015-09-22

Expected to finish

2016-10-04

Last updated by the study team

2018-01-31

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• At least 18 years old
• Willing to attend and audiotape all study sessions
• Fluent in English
• Presence of one or more obsessional thoughts that cause marked distress
• If on a psychiatric medication (e.g., SSRI), willing to remain at a fixed dose while participating in the study (and stabilized on medication for 30 days before beginning the intervention).

You may not qualify if…

• Previous cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety
• Current suicidal ideation
• Current substance use disorder
• Current mania or psychosis
• Currently taking an anxiolytic (e.g., Ativan) or stimulant (e.g., Ritalin) medication
• Heart, respiratory, or neurological condition
• Current pregnancy

Where it is running

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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