The purpose aims to assess the efficacy of Brief Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Ca-CBT) for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
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 Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
166
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.
Professional Association of Cognitive Therapy
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
RECRUITINGEfficacy 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).
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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).
Time frame: 6 weeks
Reduction in functioning decline associated with OCD
By comparing pre- and post-treatment scores on the Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ).
Time frame: 6 weeks
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