RecruitingInterventional

Core belief inclusive protocol in NHS Talking Therapies: helping obsessive compulsive disorder

This study is exploring a new approach to treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) within NHS Talking Therapies. Standard treatment helps you face fears and reduce compulsive behaviours. This research investigates whether adding a focus on your core self-beliefs (how you deeply feel about yourself) can improve these treatments. It's a 'feasibility study,' meaning the main goal is to check if this enhanced therapy can be successfully delivered in NHS services and if it shows promise for helping people. Participants will be randomly placed into one of three groups: a waiting list, standard NHS therapy, or the new enhanced therapy. We want to see if this new method improves results and is acceptable to patients and therapists.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Anglia Ruskin University

Enrolment target

131

Start

30 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults receiving psychological treatment within NHS Talking Therapies services.

What is this study about?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a common mental health condition that can make daily life really difficult. If you have OCD, you might experience unwanted thoughts or fears (obsessions) and feel you have to do certain things over and over again (compulsions) to feel better. Currently, if you get psychological treatment for OCD through NHS Talking Therapies, you'll usually have something called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This therapy helps you gradually face up to situations you're scared of and learn ways to reduce your compulsive behaviours.

Researchers think that for some people, looking more closely at their 'core self-beliefs' – which are those very deep ideas you have about yourself – might make a big difference to how well therapy works. However, the usual OCD treatments don't always have specific, structured ways to deal with these core beliefs. This study wants to find out if we can add this specific focus on core self-beliefs to the standard CBT treatment within NHS Talking Therapies. We'll also check if therapists can deliver this new approach easily and if people receiving it find it helpful.

Think of this study as a pilot run. It’s called a 'feasibility study,' which means the main goal is to see if this strengthened therapy can be successfully given in regular NHS services. We also want to find out if it shows enough potential to help people with OCD that it's worth doing more research on in the future. It’s about making sure the new method is practical and could make a real difference.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a new, potentially enhanced way to treat OCD within NHS Talking Therapies.
It adds a focus on 'core self-beliefs' to standard therapy.
You have an equal chance of receiving either the standard therapy, enhanced therapy, or being on a short waiting list.
Participation involves about 12 weekly sessions, questionnaires, and a follow-up.
The main goal is to see if the new treatment can be successfully used in routine NHS services and if it seems promising.
Your well-being will be monitored throughout your participation.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 65 who are currently receiving treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through NHS Talking Therapies.

To join, your main problem needing treatment must be OCD, even if you also have other mood issues like depression. Any regular medication you're taking should have been stable for at least three months. You also need to be able to attend weekly therapy sessions, either online via webcam or in person, and be able to complete your therapy in English without needing a translator.

Unfortunately, if you're awaiting diagnosis for a learning disability, have a current diagnosis of certain neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD that would need special adaptations, or have significant current problems with alcohol or drug misuse, you won’t be able to join. Also, if you're already receiving care from other mental health services, or on a waiting list for a different type of talking therapy, this study might not be right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you receiving treatment for OCD through NHS Talking Therapies?
Is OCD your main, most pressing mental health concern?
Has any regular medication you take been stable for at least 3 months?
Can you attend weekly therapy sessions (online or in person) and communicate in English?
Are you not currently receiving care from other mental health services or on another therapy waiting list?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned by a computer to one of three groups. This is like drawing names out of a hat, to make sure the groups are fair. One group will be on a waiting list for a short time before starting standard NHS treatment. The second group will receive the usual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provided by NHS Talking Therapies. The third group will receive an improved version of CBT that includes special techniques to focus on your deep-seated beliefs about yourself.

If you're in one of the therapy groups, you’ll attend about 12 weekly therapy sessions, each lasting around 60 minutes. After your therapy ends, you'll have a follow-up appointment about six months later. Throughout the study, you'll complete some questionnaires at different times, both during your therapy and at your follow-up. Some are standard NHS questions, and others are specifically for the research. You might also be asked to share your thoughts and feelings about your therapy experience. The entire study participation, including therapy and follow-up, is expected to last until March 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll be receiving psychological therapy for your OCD, which is a potential benefit in itself. If you're in the group receiving the enhanced therapy, it might help you better understand the deep-seated beliefs that contribute to your OCD, which could potentially lead to better outcomes. However, it’s important to remember that improvements cannot be guaranteed, as with any medical treatment. As with all talking therapies, discussing personal experiences and facing your fears might occasionally cause some temporary emotional upset or discomfort. This is generally expected to be similar to what you might experience in standard therapy. Your therapist will monitor your well-being throughout the therapy and provide support as needed. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership Tr Hq
City only
Cambridge, England

Common questions

What is OCD?

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a condition where you have unwanted thoughts or fears (obsessions) and feel you have to do certain things repeatedly (compulsions) to stop these thoughts or relieve anxiety.

What are 'core self-beliefs'?

'Core self-beliefs' are the very deep-seated ideas and feelings you have about yourself, which can sometimes play a role in how you experience and cope with conditions like OCD.

Will I definitely get the new treatment?

No, you have an equal chance of being put into one of three groups: a waiting list, standard NHS therapy, or the new enhanced therapy. It's decided randomly by a computer.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about 12 weekly therapy sessions, each lasting an hour, plus a follow-up appointment about 6 months after your therapy finishes. The overall study runs until March 2028.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is part of a PhD research project and is funded by Anglia Ruskin University.

How to find out more

Laura Laken

LCL121@pgr.aru.ac.uk +44 07875515835 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.