Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a structured lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiometabolic risk in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Is a lifestyle intervention for individuals with OCD feasible and efficacious in reducing cardiovascular risk? In this project, we will adapt and evaluate an existing evidence-based lifestyle intervention following a two-stage approach.

Description

Individuals with psychiatric disorders, including those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), have substantially reduced lifespans.

In a previous FORTE-funded project (ref. 2015-00569) using data from the Swedish registers, we established that individuals with OCD, a prevalent and impairing mental disorder, are at substantially increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, including a 57% increased risk of obesity, 42% increased risk of circulatory system diseases, and 21% increased risk of type 2 diabetes, compared to the general population.

We also established that this risk, rather than being linked to shared familial factors or medication for their OCD, is likely to be a consequence of the OCD itself.

Therefore, it is crucial to consider the lifestyle habits (e.g., physical activity, diet) of individuals with OCD that may be responsible for the observed metabolic and cardiovascular complications and are known to be amenable to modification.

Surveyed members of the Svenska OCD-förbundet support the development of lifestyle interventions as an important complement to existing evidence-based treatments for the disorder.

In this project, we will adapt and evaluate an existing evidence-based lifestyle intervention following a two-stage approach.

First, we will work with the Svenska OCD-förbundet to adapt the intervention to the needs of OCD patients and will conduct a pilot study to evaluate if the intervention is feasible, safe, and acceptable for the patients. Second, we will conduct a fully powered randomized controlled trial to establish the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this intervention. If successful, we aim to implement the intervention in routine clinical care.

Aim

To adapt an existing lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiometabolic risk to suit the specific needs of individuals with OCD, in close collaboration with the Svenska OCD-förbundet.
To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the intervention in a pilot study.
To conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the intervention, compared to medical advice only and treatment as usual (TAU).