Clinician Information & FAQ

The youths we are seeking for this clinical trial are those with moderate OCD who are comfortable taking medication, and do not have any upcoming changes to their medication or therapies (either starting, stopping, and/or changing the frequency or dosage).

To refer a patient, please forward along their contact information to aceocd@bcchr.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I do the study if I’m taking meds or in therapy for OCD?
    • A: Yes, you just can’t change these during the trial.
  • Q: Is celecoxib new or dangerous? 
    • A: No, not at prescribed dose! It is regularly used in children with juvenile arthritis; this study is approved by Health Canada 

Full Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Children and young adults may be eligible to participate in this study if:

  • They have previously been diagnosed with OCD. 
  • They are between the ages of 7-18.
  • They live in British Columbia.
  • They are able to take medication twice daily in capsule form, or to sprinkle the capsule on food.
  • They have a doctor in charge of their regular medical or OCD treatment (e.g., family doctor, pediatrician, specialist).
  • Use highly effective and/or double barrier contraception, or abstinence, if they have the potential to become pregnant.
  • Able to participate in all study assessments and procedures in English, including informed consent/assent, self-care, adverse event reporting, and follow-up assessments.
  • Results of a diagnostic screening phone interview are consistent with OCD.*
  • They have moderate to severe symptoms based on a standardized rating scale, as determined by a study doctor at their first study visit.*
  • Results of a negative pregnancy test from baseline blood work (either serum or urine) in biological females after menarche (i.e., first period).*

* To be determined in the screening process.

Exclusion Criteria

Children and young adults are not eligible to participate in this study if any of the following apply:

  • They have been previously diagnosed with or develop conditions that would increase their risk of harm with NSAID use, including:
    • kidney or liver disease
    • gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
    • inflammatory bowel disease
    • bleeding disorders
    • severe asthma
    • NSAID allergy
  • They or their parents are unable to provide informed consent or assent, or to participate in study procedures or assessments in English. 
  • They do not have a doctor (family physician or specialist) or other primary care provider (e.g., nurse practitioner) providing regular medical care.
  • They are unable to have blood and blood pressure measured within 2 months prior to enrollment (either on-site at BCCH or by a primary care provider).
  • They have had previous genetic testing that demonstrates they are a poor CY2C9 metabolizer (CYP2C9*3/*3 genotype).
  • They have previously received regular immune-modulating therapy for treating OCD at an effective anti-inflammatory dose (including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or biologics).
  • They have a current major depressive episode, psychosis, suicidality, or active substance use.*
  • They currently take steroids (oral or intravenous) or drugs that may interact with celecoxib.*
  • There is an abnormality identified on baseline blood work including liver enzymes, kidney function, and blood cell counts or they have a form of an enzyme that metabolizes celecoxib that will significantly increase their levels.*
  • They have an active infection or are currently taking antibiotics.†
  • They have used any NSAID at any dose more than 3 times per week in the 2 months prior to participation.†
  • Changes have been made to their CBT or other psychotherapy in the 4 weeks prior to participation.†
  • They have started a new regular or psychiatric medication in the 10 weeks prior to participation.†
  • There are planned changes to their usual treatment during the study period.†
  • They are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.†
  • They have an intention of pregnancy.†

* To be determined in the screening process.
† Currently ineligible but may become eligible when criterion no longer applies.