“I really enjoyed participating in the study. I have been suffering with OCD for over 20 years and to see different research being done makes me very happy. I did notice a decrease in anxiety the more I saw the words over the course of the month.” – Participant in OCD community study

Community-based studies making great strides

The two studies to investigate use of the CBM app as a stand-alone method of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) are set to mark important milestones this summer and early fall, as both studies are nearing their enrollment goals. With most participants on board, a demographic comparison of the studies is now available. While women who identify as Caucasian comprise the majority of enrollees in both studies, there is a notable demographic differential when it comes to age:

• Nearly one-half (44.65%) of the participants in the OCD community study are in the narrow age category of 25-34.
• The ages of participants in the depression community study are more evenly split among categories ranging from 18 to 54 years of age, with a few participants between the ages of 55 to 67.
• The most valuable referral source for participants in the community studies is via advertisements on Facebook (see charts below for details).

Results from the OCD community study are expected to be available in September, 2018. The depression community study results are anticipated to be released in December, 2018.

Click to enlarge.

Treatment enhancement studies at slower pace

Enrolling people who are currently in treatment at Rogers Behavioral Health continues to be challenging for both the OCD and the depression treatment enhancement studies.

Part of this relates to the nature of the mental health challenges that bring people to Rogers’ residential settings. They are simply too overwhelmed by their symptoms to take part in a voluntary study. The complexity of their disorders is also a factor. For instance, some people in the OCD residential program suffer from anxiety disorders in addition to or other than OCD and the content of the app is designed specifically for OCD symptoms. A similar scenario is taking place in the depression study, as many FOCUS residential program patients are coping with substance abuse and/or have a co-occurring diagnosis. Another factor contributing to the enrollment challenges is that some fear that participation in the study will take time away from the evidence-based treatment they are receiving. This isn’t true, but the perception exists.

Our research team is actively addressing methods for improving the pace of enrollment in these studies. Concepts include: redefining who can participate (such as including people with bipolar disorder) for the depression treatment enhanced study; broadening the scope of the level of care to include people within the partial hospital program (PHP); altering our messaging to make certain we are addressing typical concerns about participation; and, increasing reimbursement for study participants. Reimbursement for participation in studies has become common practice across the country.

Treatment studies: quick stats

July 15th. The target date for wrapping up enrolling participants in the community-based OCD study.

Over 1,300. The number of people who have inquired about participating in the community-based studies.

1 in 13. For every 13 people who inquire about the community-based studies, one is enrolled.

Nearly 50%. We are closing in on the half-way marker regarding the number of participants needed for the OCD treatment enhancement study.

1 per month. The number of new enrollees in the depression treatment enhancement study.