Digital Health Interventions for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Digital Health Interventions for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators are testing two digital health interventions for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The investigators hope that these digital health programs will increase access to treatment for OCD.

The primary aims of this study are to test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of two digital health interventions for adults with OCD recruited nationally. Eligible subjects (N=120) will be randomly assigned (50/50 chance) to 12 weeks of app-based CBT on their personal Smartphone or 12 weeks of web-based health and well-being education in addition to completing clinical assessments and questionnaires from home. All participants will have access to a coach to help guide them through their assigned program. Total participation time for the study is approximately 6 months, and all study appointments (5 total) occur over secure phone or video conference call.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years of age
• Current diagnosis of primary obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
• Currently living in the United States

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotropic medication changes within 2 months prior to enrollment (Participants taking psychotropic medication must have been on a stable dose for at least 2 months prior to enrollment and not change medication during study period)
• Past participation in ≥4 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for OCD
• Past use of a CBT for OCD app
• Current severe substance use disorder
• Lifetime bipolar disorder or psychosis
• Acute, active suicidal ideation as indicated by clinical judgment and/or a score ≥2 on the suicidal ideation subscale of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
• Current severe comorbid major depression, as indicated by clinical judgment and/or a Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report version (QIDS-SR), total score ≥ 21
• Current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Concurrent psychological treatment
• Does not own a supported mobile smartphone with a data plan
• Lack of technology literacy that would interfere with ability to engage with smartphone treatment