A global initiative to identify biological markers of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Official title: MEGA-OCD: A Global Data-Driven Initiative to Discover Biosignatures of OCD
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11029434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects the brain by using advanced imaging techniques and data from people all over the world, with the goal of better understanding the condition and how different treatments work for different individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 2, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $665,420 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138569-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly those who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with OCD who are currently receiving effective treatment or those without a formal diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to conduct the largest neuroimaging investigation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by utilizing diverse data from around the world. It seeks to address critical questions about OCD through advanced imaging techniques, which will help uncover the brain mechanisms involved in the disorder and how they relate to treatment responses. By including a wide range of participants and harmonizing data, the study aims to improve understanding of OCD's clinical variability and its biological underpinnings. The initiative will also focus on increasing representation from diverse populations to enhance the applicability of findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for OCD by identifying biological markers that predict treatment response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using large-scale neuroimaging studies to uncover insights into mental health disorders, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thompson, Paul M — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Thompson, Paul M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.