Brain circuit differences in OCD and how changing them could help
Neurocircuitry of OCD: Effects of Modulation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11266114
Researchers are using advanced brain scans to compare wiring and activity in people ages 18–35 with OCD to healthy volunteers to understand circuits linked to ongoing avoidance.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11266114 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, you would undergo detailed brain scans (diffusion MRI and functional MRI) and behavioral testing while doing a task that involves uncertain unpleasant outcomes. The team plans to compare 50 people with OCD (either unmedicated or on SSRIs/clomipramine) with 50 healthy volunteers aged 18–35 to look at white matter bundles and connectivity among regions like the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and striatum. They will use tractography and tract profiling to map wiring and measure functional and effective connectivity during the task to link circuit differences with persistent avoidance behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults 18–35 with a confirmed diagnosis of OCD who are willing to undergo MRI and behavioral testing, including those who are unmedicated or taking SSRIs/clomipramine.
Not a fit: People older than 35, those with MRI contraindications (like certain metal implants or pregnancy), or those taking other psychotropic medications may not qualify or benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could point to specific brain circuit targets for therapies (for example, brain stimulation or targeted behavioral treatments) that reduce avoidance and OCD symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous imaging work has linked these brain regions to OCD and some circuit-based treatments (like DBS or TMS) have helped select patients, but this detailed connectivity mapping in young adults is a more focused, developing approach.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HABER, SUZANNE N — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: HABER, SUZANNE N
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 below.