Participate in a Study

On-going studies in the Bay Area or online that you might consider participating in:

Please Note: The IOCDF provides links to these research studies for the convenience of our web users. The IOCDF is not responsible for the availability or content of these external research studies or website, nor does IOCDF endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered in these research studies.

Local:

UCSF OCD Program

Current Studies:

Cortical Stimulation to Treat OCD

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04958096

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for severe, refractory OCD that is not responsive to medical and cognitive therapies. It involves the implantation of electrodes into the brain for the purpose of delivering electrical stimulation to disrupt abnormal activity that causes OCD. DBS is also regularly used to treat other neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, other movement disorders, and epilepsy. While DBS is effective for many patients, approximately 30% of patients do not respond at the existing DBS subcortical target, which is in the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) region.

The purpose of this study is to investigate novel cortical targets for brain stimulation to treat OCD and to identify abnormal brain signals associated with OCD and psychiatric symptoms. While treating OCD with standard deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, additional electrodes will be implanted in the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex, regions known be involved with OCD, for the purposes of identify OCD-related signals and to determine whether stimulation delivered to these parts of the brain in addition to the subcortical VC/VS can improve OCD symptoms.

We are currently recruiting adults 22 and older with severe OCD (YBOCS>=28) to participate. To be eligible, patients must have trialed:

at least 2 SSRIs at adequate doses
augmentation with an antipsychotic
Clomipramine
at least 6 months of exposure response prevention therapy or have undergone an intensive therapy program

Please email ocdresearch@ucsf.edu if you are interested in participating or have any questions about the study.

Genomic Studies of OCD

The goal the project will be to identify multiple Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) risk genes, each carrying large effects that will provide essential molecular clues to the origins of OCD and offer avenues for the development of new treatments.

This is a multi-center study with Rutgers University, University of Iowa, University of Miami, Mass General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Yale University, and Rogers Behavioral Health.

We will be recruiting patients with OCD for this study and potentially their biological parents for this genetics study. This study will involve filling out questionaires regarding psychiatric/medical history, OCD symptoms, and information regarding related conditions such as tic disorder, trichotillomania, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Subsequently, a more in depth psychological evaluation may also take place. A blood draw will then be performed for this genetics study.

Please email ocdresearch@ucsf.edu if you are interested in participating or have any questions about the study.

Rodriguez Lab (Stanford)

Study Contacts:

OCD Research Intake Line: ocdresearch@stanford.edu 650-723-4095

BDD/IAD/SSD Research Intake Line: ocdresearch@stanford.edu 650-723-4095

Suicide Research Intake Line: itsastudy@stanford.edu 650-497-2577

Hoarding Symptoms/Disorder Research Intake Line: clutterhelp@stanford.edu 650-497-2577

Current Studies:

IRB 59379 | BHV4157-302: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive Troriluzole in OCD- Phase 3 Study

To understand whether Troriluzole when added as an adjunctive therapy, can bring about reduction in OCD symptoms.

1. 18-65 years old
2. Primary diagnosis of OCD as per DSM-5 criteria.
3. Currently experiencing non-response/inadequate response to their current SSRI treatment.
4. Should not have a history of more than two (2) previous failed or inadequate treatment classes given for an adequate duration at an adequate dose.

IRB 45068 | Caloric Vestibular Stimulation for Modulation of Insight in Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

To test whether non-invasive, brief activation of the vestibular (balance) system may influence the strength of worry-related thoughts and relieve distress

1. 18-65 years old
2. You have OCD or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or illness anxiety disorder (IAD), or somatic symptom disorder (SSD).
3. Currently off medications or on stable medication regimen for at least 4 weeks
4. Compensation up to $200 after completing all study visits

IRB 48077 | NOOC: Efficacy of Nitrous Oxide in OCD: A Pilot Study

To understand whether inhaled nitrous oxide may bring about rapid improvement in OCD symptoms.

1. 18-65 years old
2. You have OCD
3. Currently off medications

IRB 60569 | FLEX: Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study

To understand whether dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough medicine, may bring about improvement in symptoms of OCD and other disorders characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts when used together with fluoxetine

1. 18-65 years old
2. You have OCD or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or illness anxiety disorder (IAD), or somatic symptom disorder (SSD).
3. Currently off medications or taking only fluoxetine

IRB 39439 | ITSA: Understanding Suicide Attempt Risk Factors -Online Study

To identify risk factors that may confer risk for suicide attempts among adults with suicidal ideation.

1. Have had suicidal Ideations in the past month
2. Ages 18-65
3. Eligible individuals will be invited to participate in online assessments and two follow-up phone calls.
4. Participants will receive $100 after completing all study visits.

OCD Study (UCSF Radiology)

We are currently conducting an imaging study to explore the brain areas involved in OCD and how they compare to individuals without OCD. The aim of the study is to explore how the brains of those with OCD process reward and the need to choose between multiple relevant options in order to attain a goal, known in neuroscience as cognitive control. To do this we are using a task functional magnetic imaging(tfMRI) protocol. fMRI uses magnetic fields to detect blood flow to different areas of the brain. By measuring blood flow to parts of the brain during the stages of a task, and how those measurements are different between the OCD and control groups, we can see if parts of the brain are more or less activated depending on whether someone has OCD or not. Parts of the brain we are particularly interested in are the Anterior Cingulate Cortex(ACC) and the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex(DLPFC) which have been suggested in previous studies to be involved in OCD. The task we are using is a computer-based game meant to simulate a foraging environment in which participants are asked to choose one of two options on each turn, each with their own risk and reward.

The study has three stages for each participant. First a brief online screening survey to determine the level of OCD symptoms. Second the participant will be asked to play the game on their own online in order to get used to the interface. After the online game is completed the participants will be asked to come to UCSF Mission Bay campus and play the game while the fMRI is running. The fMRI scan is a 1.5-2 hour commitment and will occur Monday – Friday between 8-6 and involves lying still in a small space for up to an hour. Participants will be compensated for each stage of the study.

Study contact: samuel.lashof-regas@ucsf.edu.

Online:

Pride OCD Study (Baylor College of Medicine)

Participate in the first ever survey for LGBTQIA+ people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). 30-minute confidential online survey that researchers hope will help update and inform OCD theories and practices to be inclusive of the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. For more information click here.

Study contact: prideOCD@bcm.edu

Pride-OCD-flyer-PDF Download