Cognitive-behavioural therapy with post-session D-cycloserine augmentation for paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: pilot randomised controlled trial

Br J Psychiatry. 2014 Jan;204(1):77-8. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.126284. Epub 2013 Nov 21.

Abstract

A partial N-methyl-D-aspartate agonist, D-cycloserine, enhances fear extinction when given before or shortly after exposure to feared stimuli in animals. In this pilot double-blind placebo-controlled trial (trial number: ISRCTN70977225), 27 youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder were randomised to either 50 mg D-cycloserine or placebo administered immediately after each of ten cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions, primarily consisting of exposure and ritual prevention. Both groups improved significantly and maintained their gains at 1-year follow-up, with no significant advantage of D-cycloserine over placebo at any time point. The effects of CBT may not be augmented or accelerated when D-cycloserine is administered after sessions.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cycloserine / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Extinction, Psychological / drug effects*
  • Fear / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Intention to Treat Analysis
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Placebos
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / agonists*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Cycloserine

Associated data

  • ISRCTN/ISRCTN70977225