Low-Intensity CBT Interventions for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Compared to Waiting List for Therapist-Led CBT : 3-Arm Randomised Controlled Trial of Clinical Effectiveness

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is prevalent and without adequate treatment usually follows a chronic course. ‘High intensity’ cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) from a specialist therapist is current ‘best practice’. However, access is difficult because of limited numbers of therapists, and because of the disabling effects of OCD symptoms. There is a potential role for ‘low intensity’ interventions as part of a stepped care model. Low intensity interventions (written or web-based materials with limited therapist support) can be provided remotely, which has the potential to increase access. However, current evidence concerning low intensity interventions is insufficient. We aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness of two forms of low-intensity CBT prior to high-intensity CBT, in adults meeting DSM-IV criteria for OCD.