Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder: an open trial
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN37530113 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN37530113 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Protocol serial number | Samarbeidsorganet mellom Helse Midt-Norge RHF project nr 90023600 |
| Sponsor | Central Norway Regional Health Authority |
| Funder | Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet |
- Submission date
- 18/12/2019
- Registration date
- 31/01/2020
- Last edited
- 09/09/2021
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Current plain English summary as of 11/06/2020:
Background and study aims
Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common, severe, and debilitating condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for pediatric OCD. However, treatment for OCD is hampered by several problems. Average improvement rates are limited and there are large individual differences in treatment effect. There are organizational and practical barriers to treatment for OCD. The availability of CBT is limited because of a shortage of experienced therapists, CBT is often poorly implemented, and there are long waiting lists for treatment. New technologies offer the opportunity to address some of these challenges.
The researchers have developed an enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT), based on traditional CBT enhanced with real-time, interactive videoconferencing technology and a smartphone application, to offer a more intensive and focused application of CBT principles in a way that may be more user-friendly and appealing to children and adolescents and their families.
The present study entails the development of the eCBT treatment package and, as a first step, aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and treatment outcomes for enhanced CBT (eCBT) for pediatric OCD. The study is a single-center open trial to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a newly developed enhanced CBT intervention (eCBT) in children and adolescents with OCD.
In response to the COVID-19 lock down measures, starting on 16 March 2020 eCBT is offered fully online (REMOTeCBT). REMOTeCBT closely parallels eCBT with the main difference that all sessions are delivered via the webcam. Feasibility, acceptability, and treatment outcomes for REMOTeCBT are examined, and will be compared to eCBT and traditional face-to-face CBT (data collected in the NordLOTS study; Torp et al., 2015), using a historical control design.
Who can participate?
Children and adolescents (age 7–17 years) with a primary diagnosis of OCD, referred for outpatient treatment
What does the study involve?
Until 16 March 2020 all participants received eCBT. eCBT consists of the usual, evidence-based treatment (CBT) in an ‘enhanced’ format, including videoconferencing sessions for guided exposure exercises at home in addition to face-to-face sessions, and an app supporting children and their parents throughout the treatment and monitoring progress. The treatment consists of 10 in-office face-to-face sessions and 12 video teleconferencing sessions (at home) within a period of 14 weeks. eCBT contains psychoeducation, administration of symptoms, exposure with response prevention, cognitive interventions, and relapse prevention. Parents are involved in the
treatment.
Starting on 16 March 2020 eCBT is offered fully online (REMOTeCBT).
Assessments are performed pre- and post-treatment and at 3- and 6-months follow-up.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
eCBT is a new framework for providing treatment based on well-validated principles of CBT. By employing an integrated and age-appropriate technological package, a more intensive and focused application of CBT principles can be executed. Furthermore, integrating new technologies may provide treatment that is more easily accessible, user-friendly, and motivating, and therefore attractive for youth. For these reasons, and given current empirical support for the efficacy of CBT for the treatment of pediatric OCD, participants are offered the usual, evidence-based treatment, but in a format that may offer more convenience (part of the treatment sessions will be at home, which reduces travel costs and time, and stigmatizing). The video sessions at home may make the treatment more ecologically valid and creates the opportunity to intensify therapeutic support during the exposure exercises. Use of the app may enhance motivation and treatment adherence.
There are very few risks for participants related to the treatment. However, although strict security measures are taken, risks related to technology and security can't be excluded. In addition, the researchers can't exclude the risk of faltering technology and loss of connectivity during the video linking. When this happens, the therapist will try to find a solution to together with the patient. A possible disadvantage of study participation is the completion of extra questionnaires.
Where is the study run from?
NTNU, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU), located in Trondheim (lead site) and Alesund, Norway
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
October 2015 to December 2021 (updated 09/12/2020, previously: December 2020)
Who is funding the study?
Samarbeidsorganet mellom Helse Midt-Norge RHF, and the Norwegian University of Science and
Technology (NTNU) (Norway)
Who is the main contact?
Norbert Skokauskas
norbert.skokauskas@ntnu.no
Previous plain English summary:
Background and study aims
Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common, severe, and debilitating condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for pediatric OCD. However, treatment for OCD is hampered by several problems. Average improvement rates are limited and there are large individual differences in treatment effect. There are organizational and practical barriers to treatment for OCD. The availability of CBT is limited because of a shortage of experienced therapists, CBT is often poorly implemented, and there are long waiting lists for treatment. New technologies offer the opportunity to address some of these challenges. The researchers have developed an enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT), based on traditional CBT enhanced with real-time, interactive videoconferencing technology and a smartphone application, to offer a more intensive and focused application of CBT principles in a way that may be more user-friendly and appealing to children and adolescents and their families. The present study entails the development of the eCBT treatment package and, as a first step, aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of enhanced CBT (eCBT) for pediatric OCD. The study is a single-center open trial to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a newly developed enhanced CBT intervention (eCBT) in children and adolescents with OCD.
Who can participate?
Children and adolescents (age 7–17 years) with a primary diagnosis of OCD, referred for outpatient treatment
What does the study involve?
All participants receive eCBT. eCBT consists of the usual, evidence-based treatment (CBT) in an ‘enhanced’ format, including videoconferencing sessions for guided exposure exercises at home in addition to face-to-face sessions, and an app supporting children and their parents throughout the treatment and monitoring progress. The treatment consists of 10 in-office face-to-face sessions and 12 video teleconferencing sessions (at home) within a period of 14 weeks. eCBT contains psychoeducation, administration of symptoms, exposure with response prevention, cognitive interventions, and relapse prevention. Parents are involved in the treatment.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
eCBT is a new framework for providing treatment based on well-validated principles of CBT. By employing an integrated and age-appropriate technological package, a more intensive and focused application of CBT principles can be executed. Furthermore, integrating new technologies may provide treatment that is more easily accessible, user-friendly, and motivating, and therefore attractive for youth. For these reasons, and given current empirical support for the efficacy of CBT for the treatment of pediatric OCD, participants are offered the usual, evidence-based treatment, but in a format that may offer more convenience (part of the treatment sessions will be at home, which reduces travel costs and time, and stigmatizing). The video sessions at home may make the treatment more ecologically valid and creates the opportunity to intensify therapeutic support during the exposure exercises. Use of the app may enhance motivation and treatment adherence. There are very little risks for participants related to the treatment. However, although strict security measures are taken, risks related to technology and security can't be excluded. In addition, the researchers can't exclude the risk of faltering technology and loss of connectivity during the video linking. When this happens, the therapist will try to find a solution to together with the patient. A possible disadvantage of study participation is the completion of extra questionnaires.
Where is the study run from?
NTNU, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU), located in Trondheim (lead site) and Alesund, Norway
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
October 2015 to December 2020
Who is funding the study?
Samarbeidsorganet mellom Helse Midt-Norge RHF, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (Norway)
Who is the main contact?
Norbert Skokauskas
norbert.skokauskas@ntnu.no
Contact information
Scientific
Klostergata 46
Trondheim
7030
Norway
| Phone | +47 (0)40536900 |
|---|---|
| norbert.skokauskas@ntnu.no |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Single-center open trial with quasi-experimental design (historical control) |
| Secondary study design | Non randomised study |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Acceptability and feasibility of enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT) for children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder: an open trial |
| Study objectives | Enhanced CBT (eCBT) is an acceptable and feasible intervention for children and adolescents with OCD and their parents. |
| Ethics approval(s) | Current ethics approval as of 11/06/2020: Approved 18/05/2016, amendment approved 26/05/2020, Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK nord; UiT Norges arktiske universities, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Tel: +47 (0)77 64 61 40; Email: rek-nord@asp.uit.no), ref: 2016/716/REK nord Previous ethics approval: Approved 18/05/2016, Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK nord; UiT Norges arktiske universitet Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Tel: +47 (0)77 64 61 40; Email: rek-nord@asp.uit.no), ref: 2016/716/REK nord |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Pediatric OCD |
| Intervention | Current interventions as of 11/06/2020: Until 16 March 2020, all participants received enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT) for pediatric OCD. eCBT consists of the usual, evidence-based treatment (CBT) in an ‘enhanced’ format, including videoconferencing sessions in addition to face-to-face sessions, and an app supporting patients throughout the treatment and monitoring progress. The treatment consists of 10 in-office face-to-face sessions and 12 video teleconferencing sessions (at home) within a period of 14 weeks. eCBT contains psychoeducation, administration of symptoms, exposure with response prevention, cognitive interventions, and relapse prevention. Parents are involved in the treatment. In response to the COVID-19 lockdown measures, starting on 16 March 2020, eCBT is offered fully online (REMOTeCBT). REMOTeCBT closely parallels eCBT with the main difference that all sessions are delivered via the webcam. Treatment outcomes for eCBT and REMOTeCBT will be compared to traditional CBT (data obtained in the Nordic Long-term OCD Treatment Study NordLOTS). Previous interventions: All participants receive enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT) for pediatric OCD. eCBT consists of the usual, evidence-based treatment (CBT) in an ‘enhanced’ format, including videoconferencing sessions in addition to face-to-face sessions, and an app supporting patients throughout the treatment and monitoring progress. The treatment consists of 10 in-office face-to-face sessions and 12 video teleconferencing sessions (at home) within a period of 14 weeks. eCBT contains psychoeducation, administration of symptoms, exposure with response prevention, cognitive interventions, and relapse prevention. Parents are involved in the treatment. Effectiveness of eCBT will be compared to traditional CBT by comparing results from the present study to data obtained in the Nordic Long-term OCD Treatment Study (NordLOTS) (Torp et al., 2015). |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
1. Acceptability assessed using Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), child and parent version post-treatment |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Acceptability assessed using: |
| Completion date | 31/12/2021 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Child |
| Lower age limit | 7 Years |
| Upper age limit | 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 70 |
| Total final enrolment | 25 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Age 7–17 years (inclusive) 2. A primary DSM 5 diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder 3. CY-BOCS ≥ 16 |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. A psychiatric comorbidity that has a higher treatment priority than OCD, and makes participation clinically inappropriate (for example, primary anorexia nervosa, depression with suicidality that requires acute treatment, and psychosis) 2. (Estimated) IQ below 70 3. Insufficient understanding of the Norwegian or English language |
| Date of first enrolment | 04/09/2017 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/12/2021 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Norway
Study participating centres
Trondheim
7030
Norway
Alesund
6009
Norway
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Stored in repository |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study will be stored in a non-publically available repository at the Department of Mental Health, RKBU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Klostergata 46, 7030, Trondheim, Norway. Data includes demographics and baseline characteristics of the participants, and assessment of symptoms during and following treatment. The information will be entered by the Data Manager. All relevant data will be entered into a separate anonymous password protected and encrypted file, protection of participants’ identity will be guaranteed by assigning study-specific unique subject codes. Codes will be used to conceal identities in all external communication. Rechecks or later use of the data will be possible using the anonymized data file. Later use of the data will only be possible with the consent of the participant. Information (raw data) will be kept for 10 years. Informed consent is obtained from all participants before study participation. The study will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (version 19th October 2013; WMA, 2013). |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | 04/09/2021 | 09/09/2021 | Yes | No | |
| Protocol article | protocol | 18/12/2020 | 19/11/2020 | Yes | No |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
09/09/2021: The following changes have been made:
1. Publication reference added.
2. The total final enrolment number has been added from the reference.
09/12/2020: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The overall end date was changed from 31/05/2021 to 31/12/2021.
2. The recruitment end date was changed from 31/12/2020 to 31/12/2021.
3. The plain English summary was updated to reflect these changes.
19/11/2020: Publication reference added.
17/06/2020: The study design has been changed from "Single-center open trial with quasi-experimental design and historical control" to "Single-center open trial with quasi-experimental design (historical control)".
11/06/2020: The following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment end date has been changed from 16/07/2020 to 31/12/2020.
2. The study design has been changed from "Single-center open trial" to "Single-center open trial with quasi-experimental design and historical control".
3. The interventions have been updated.
4. The target number of participants has been changed from "30" to "70 (eCBT + REMOTeCBT)".
5. The total target enrolment has been changed from "30" to "70".
6. The publication and dissemination plan has been updated.
7. The ethics approval has been updated.
8. The plain English summary has been updated.
03/04/2020: The following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment end date has been changed from 31/03/2020 to 16/07/2020.
2. The overall trial end date has been changed from 31/12/2020 to 31/05/2021.
3. The intention to publish date has been changed from 31/12/2020 to 31/12/2021.
07/01/2020: Trial's existence confirmed by Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK nord).
