Abstract

Background: UK National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) recommend Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including exposure and response prevention for the treatment and management of OCD using a stepped care approach. Low intensity psychological interventions are proposed at lower steps while  to more intensive psychological and pharmacological interventions are suggested at higher steps. There is some preliminary evidence that self-managed therapy packages for OCD can be effective but there is a paucity of research in this area. Additional research to add to the evidence-base regarding their clinical and cost effectiveness and acceptability is required.

Aim/Method: This large multi-site randomised controlled trial will test the effectiveness of two different self-help treatments for OCD: 1) computerised CBT (cCBT) using OCFighter, an internet-delivered OCD treatment package; and 2) guided self-help using a book for people experiencing OCD symptoms. These treatments will be supported by a mental health professional and will take place over a 12-week period. We will evaluate the effectiveness, cost and patient and health professional acceptability of the treatments.

Results: Recruitment and follow-up is complete and findings will be available in October 2015

Implications for practice: This robust trial will add to the limited evidence-base of efficacy, cost effectiveness and acceptability of self-help treatments for OCD. The findings will determine whether these low intensity treatments could offer additional, and more accessible treatment options for people with OCD.