Helping Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Succeed at Work
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare two models of employment services for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) interested in finding and maintaining employment. All 40 participants will receive up to 12 sessions of the first-line treatment for OCD called exposure and response prevention, a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Assigned by chance, half of the people will also receive Individual Placement and Support (IPS); the other half will receive standard vocational services (SVS). This study will compare these two approaches for helping adults with OCD find and maintain work.
Description
The purpose of this study is to compare two models of employment services for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) interested in finding and maintaining employment. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we will compare the work and clinical outcomes of individuals with OCD (n=20) who receive CBT plus standard vocational services (SVS) to those who receive this same course of CBT but who also receive Individual Placement and Support (IPS) (n=20). Work and clinical outcomes will be measured before starting CBT, at the end of CBT treatment, and at 6, 9, and 12-month time points.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently unemployed and interested in finding competitive employment in New York State * Currently residing in New York State * Primary diagnosis of OCD * For those currently on psychiatric medication: On a stable dose of psychiatric medication (for at least 6 weeks) and willing to remain on this dose for the first three months of CBT. * Access to the internet through a mobile device or computer Exclusion Criteria: * In the process of applying for or currently receiving disability benefits * Currently receiving supported employment services * Active suicidality or rec…
Interventions
- BehavioralIndividual Placement and Support (IPS)
Individual Placement and Support is an evidence-based model of supported employment for individuals with mental illness. In IPS, participants will meet with an IPS specialist weekly who will help the study participant create resumes, conduct job searches online or in the community, complete job applications, role-play interviews, and, if requested, accompany them when visiting prospective employers.
- BehavioralStandard Vocational Services
In Standard Vocational Services, participants will meet with a representative from the American Jobs Center (AJC) who will help them find a job by identifying their interests, assess their skills and abilities, and advise them on in-demand jobs and potential training opportunities.
Location
- The New York State Psychiatric InstituteNew York, New York