NCT05224414 · Mclean Hospital
Interpretation Bias as a Mechanism of Treatment Response in OCD
What this study is about
This study will conduct a randomly assigned controlled trial of Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I) as an augmentation to treatment as usual for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
View original scientific description
This study will conduct a randomized controlled trial of Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I) as an augmentation to treatment as usual for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). CBM-I is a digital intervention designed to directly manipulate interpretation bias through repeated practice on a training task, thereby inducing cognitive changes in a relatively automatic or implicit manner. Specifically, this study will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcomes associated with CBM-I. Adults with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) will be recruited from a treatment program for this disorder and participants will be randomly assigned to either receive: 1) up to 12 sessions of CBM-I, or or up to 12 sessions of psychoeducation as a control condition.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Cognitive bias modification for interpretation bias
Sessions of scenario-based CBM-I training for OCD will be administered, based on the widely-used paradigm of ambiguous scenario training developed by Mathews and Mackintosh (2000), in which participants are presented with scenarios that are ambiguous in whether or not they are threatening. Participants will complete a computer task consisting of a series of written scenarios designed to improve interpretation and attributional biases; these scenarios conclude with word fragments, which participants must fill in to resolve the ambiguity.
BEHAVIORAL
Psychoeducation
Sessions of psychoeducation will be administered, which will describe symptoms of anxiety, the nature of biased thinking in anxiety, and summarize common psychosocial as well as pharmacological treatments for anxiety. The sessions will provide relevant information but will not provide training in changing thinking styles.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Average Score on Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale
Time frame: Weeks 0, 4, and 8
Interviewer-rated measure of OCD symptoms. It is 19 items, with only items 1-10 scored (from 0-4). Total scores range from 0-40, with higher scores reflecting greater severity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 1\) OCD Institute patients
- 2\) adults (\> 18 years old)
- 3\) able to complete a computer task for 20 minutes
- 4\) consent to main OCD Institute study protocol
- 5\) primary diagnosis of OCD (as measured by a score of \>16 on the Y-BOCS and a clinical diagnosis of OCD by their treatment team
- 6\) score of \>131 on the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 at admission \[which is 1 SD above the mean score of the non-clinical sample reported in the original validation paper by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group (2005)\]
Exclusion criteria
- 1\) Currently experiencing acute symptoms of psychosis
- 2\) Psychotic disorder diagnosis
Where
- Belmont, Massachusetts
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations