Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderNCT07232823
Brief Culturally Adapted CBT for OCD
A study testing Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, run by Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The purpose aims to assess the efficacy of Brief Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Ca-CBT) for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 166 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Oct 2024to 31 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants aged 18 years or above
- Participants with at least an elementary level of reading and writing
- Clinical diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, either alone or comorbid with depression or anxiety
Who cannot join
- Participants with excessive use of alcohol or drugs (using ICD-10 RDC for alcohol or drug abuse or dependence)
- Those with significant cognitive impairment (for example, intellectual disability or dementia)
- Or those with OCD comorbid active psychosis
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Professional Association of Cognitive Therapy
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Muhammad Aslam, MSCP, +92 301 7170139, Muhammadaslam139@gmail.com
Farooq Naeem
About this study
Official title: Brief Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CaCBT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial From Pakistan
The purpose aims to assess the efficacy of Brief Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Ca-CBT) for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Read the detailed description
The presence of obsessions and compulsions characterises obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that are distressing and difficult to control. These obsessive thoughts cause significant emotional discomfort. Conversely, compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. These actions are intended to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event, even though they may not logically connect to the feared outcome. The individual often experiences temporary relief from distress through these ritualistic responses despite their lack of practical relevance to the obsessive fears.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is widely recognised as a treatment option in both the US and UK National Treatment Guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2009; American Psychiatric Association, 1993). There is strong evidence supporting CBT's effectiveness in treating, preventing relapse, and managing depression and anxiety (Embling, 2002; Fava et al., 1998; Paykel et al., 1999; Thase, 1997).
However, despite this evidence, there has been limited progress in assessing CBT's effectiveness in low and middle-income countries. CBT may require adaptation in non-Western cultures, as it involves exploring and modifying automatic thoughts and core beliefs (Padesky and Greenberger, 1995).
Preliminary research suggests that treatment manuals based on fundamental CBT principles are effective (Husain et al., 2013; Rahman et al., 2008; Sumathipala et al., 2008; Araya et al., 2003). In Pakistan, an adapted version of CBT for depression was conducted, demonstrating its effectiveness in primary care settings (Naeem et al., 2011). Similarly, a pilot study was conducted on brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (Aslam et al. 2015).
This study aims to conduct a randomised controlled trial using brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in Pakistan, as limited research is available on this aspect. Conducting this trial can provide valuable data on the effectiveness of culturally adapted CBT in the Pakistani cultural setting, informing both local and international practices.
- Being tested
- Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT)
- Keywords
- CBT, CaCBT, OCD
- Medical subject headings
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT)Other
The intervention will focus on psychoeducation, symptom management, Exposure and Response prevention (ERP), thought distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, detection of mood and thoughts, cognitive errors, changing negative thinking, behavioural activation, problem solving, improving relationships and communication skills, Thought diaries and progress diary.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Brief culturally adapted CBT (CaCBT) group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive the Culturally Adapted CBT (CaCBT) manual along with treatment as usual (which typically involves medication prescriptions and regular hospital visits). The manual will focus on psychoeducation, symptom management, Exposure and Response prevention (ERP), thought distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, detection of mood and thoughts, cognitive errors, changing negative thinking, behavioural activation, problem solving, improving relationships and communication skills, Thought diaries and progress diary. Receives: Other: Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) |
| Treatment as usual group | No intervention | Participants in this group will receive only treatment as usual (TAU), which typically involves medication prescriptions and regular hospital visits. Research psychologists delivering the intervention will not be involved with participants allocated to TAU. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Efficacy of brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) for OCD
By comparing pre- and post-treatment OCD scores measured through the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).
Measured: 6 weeks
Acceptability of the brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) for OCD
Feedback will be taken from both patients and their family members, who will be trained as co-therapists, to evaluate their satisfaction with the therapy.
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Reduction in depression and anxiety associated with OCD
By comparing pre- and post-treatment depression and anxiety scores measured through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Measured: 6 weeks
Reduction in functioning decline associated with OCD
By comparing pre- and post-treatment scores on the Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ).
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Nov 2025
- Study start20 Oct 2024
- Primary completion10 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This will be a randomised, controlled, assessor-blind clinical trial. It will be carried out at Recovery Psychiatric \& Addiction Treatment, Rehab \& Psychotherapy Centre, Lahore, and Dr Muhammad Afzal Khan Clinic, Faisalabad. The participants will be provided with oral and written information about the study, and written informed consent will be obtained. Participants who agree to participate will be allocated to one of the groups: brief CaCBT plus TAU (Treatment group) or TAU alone (Control group).
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 166 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Farooq Naeem, Principal investigator, Professional Association of Cognitive TherapyMuhammad Aslam, Principal investigator, Professional Association of Cognitive Therapy
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07232823
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CaCBTOCD24
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 16 Oct 2024
- Last updated
- 18 Nov 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Nov 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Brief Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CaCBT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial From Pakistan
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07232823
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CaCBTOCD24
- Keywords
- CBT, CaCBT, OCD
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 166 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Pakistan Association of Cognitive TherapistsUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose aims to assess the efficacy of Brief Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Ca-CBT) for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Detailed description
The presence of obsessions and compulsions characterises obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that are distressing and difficult to control. These obsessive thoughts cause significant emotional discomfort. Conversely, compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. These actions are intended to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event, even though they may not logically connect to the feared outcome. The individual often experiences temporary relief from distress through these ritualistic responses despite their lack of practical relevance to the obsessive fears.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is widely recognised as a treatment option in both the US and UK National Treatment Guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2009; American Psychiatric Association, 1993). There is strong evidence supporting CBT's effectiveness in treating, preventing relapse, and managing depression and anxiety (Embling, 2002; Fava et al., 1998; Paykel et al., 1999; Thase, 1997).
However, despite this evidence, there has been limited progress in assessing CBT's effectiveness in low and middle-income countries. CBT may require adaptation in non-Western cultures, as it involves exploring and modifying automatic thoughts and core beliefs (Padesky and Greenberger, 1995).
Preliminary research suggests that treatment manuals based on fundamental CBT principles are effective (Husain et al., 2013; Rahman et al., 2008; Sumathipala et al., 2008; Araya et al., 2003). In Pakistan, an adapted version of CBT for depression was conducted, demonstrating its effectiveness in primary care settings (Naeem et al., 2011). Similarly, a pilot study was conducted on brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (Aslam et al. 2015).
This study aims to conduct a randomised controlled trial using brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in Pakistan, as limited research is available on this aspect. Conducting this trial can provide valuable data on the effectiveness of culturally adapted CBT in the Pakistani cultural setting, informing both local and international practices.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This will be a randomised, controlled, assessor-blind clinical trial. It will be carried out at Recovery Psychiatric \& Addiction Treatment, Rehab \& Psychotherapy Centre, Lahore, and Dr Muhammad Afzal Khan Clinic, Faisalabad. The participants will be provided with oral and written information about the study, and written informed consent will be obtained. Participants who agree to participate will be allocated to one of the groups: brief CaCBT plus TAU (Treatment group) or TAU alone (Control group).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Brief culturally adapted CBT (CaCBT) group | Experimental | Other: Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT)Participants in this group will receive the Culturally Adapted CBT (CaCBT) manual along with treatment as usual (which typically involves medication prescriptions and regular hospital visits). The manual will focus on psychoeducation, symptom management, Exposure and Response prevention (ERP), thought distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, detection of mood and thoughts, cognitive errors, changing negative thinking, behavioural activation, problem solving, improving relationships and communication skills, Thought diaries and progress diary. |
| Treatment as usual group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will receive only treatment as usual (TAU), which typically involves medication prescriptions and regular hospital visits. Research psychologists delivering the intervention will not be involved with participants allocated to TAU. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants aged 18 years or above
- Participants with at least an elementary level of reading and writing
- Clinical diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, either alone or comorbid with depression or anxiety
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants with excessive use of alcohol or drugs (using ICD-10 RDC for alcohol or drug abuse or dependence)
- Those with significant cognitive impairment (for example, intellectual disability or dementia)
- Or those with OCD comorbid active psychosis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT)The intervention will focus on psychoeducation, symptom management, Exposure and Response prevention (ERP), thought distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, detection of mood and thoughts, cognitive errors, changing negative thinking, behavioural activation, problem solving, improving relationships and communication skills, Thought diaries and progress diary. | Other | Brief culturally adapted CBT (CaCBT) group |
Primary outcome
Efficacy of brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) for OCD
Time frame: 6 weeks
By comparing pre- and post-treatment OCD scores measured through the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).
Acceptability of the brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) for OCD
Time frame: 6 weeks
Feedback will be taken from both patients and their family members, who will be trained as co-therapists, to evaluate their satisfaction with the therapy.
2 secondary outcomes
Reduction in depression and anxiety associated with OCD
Time frame: 6 weeks
Reduction in functioning decline associated with OCD
Time frame: 6 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Nov 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Farooq Naeem principal investigator
Professional Association of Cognitive Therapy
Muhammad Aslam principal investigator
Professional Association of Cognitive Therapy
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, run by Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Muhammad Aslam (+92 301 7170139, Muhammadaslam139@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Efficacy of brief culturally adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) for OCD (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Nov 2025.