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.
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.
In the process of applying for or currently receiving disability benefits
Currently receiving supported employment services
Active suicidality or recent suicide attempt
Active substance use problem (other than nicotine) that warrants treatment
Parallel
Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
BehavioralIndividual 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.
Standard Vocational Services
BehavioralIn 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.
Competitive employment
Employed at least one work shift in an integrated work setting in the open job market at prevailing wages with supervision provided by personnel employed by the business.
Hours worked
Total hours of competitive employment
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (scores range from 0-40 with higher scores indicating greater OCD severity)
Change in severity of OCD symptoms
Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Scale (scores range from 14-70 with higher scores indicating greater life satisfaction and enjoyment)
Change in degree of enjoyment and satisfaction experienced by subjects in various areas of daily functioning
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
