Implementing early care protocol for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A scalable model for public mental health...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a prevalent and burdensome mental health condition associated with significant impacts on quality of life and elevated risks of mortality. It frequently presents with a prolonged Duration of Untreated Illness (DUI), which is linked to poor outcomes. This study presents an early intervention protocol for individuals with recent-onset OCD (< 24 months) designed for systematic implementation within the universal public healthcare system in Spain. The protocol integrates evidence-based psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches into a structured program, which is delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Key components include a comprehensive initial assessment, staged cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (CBT/ERP), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treatment when indicated, and longitudinal follow-up over 2 years. The program aims to evaluate whether optimized early intervention can improve long-term functional outcomes and reduce chronicity in OCD. Preliminary data on patient characteristics at enrollment are also presented. This protocol addresses a critical research-to-practice gap by deploying evidence-based care within a defined early "window of opportunity". It may inform scalable efforts to reduce the burden of untreated OCD.