Cognitive control targets to help kids with OCD
Official title: Cognitive control targets for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder in young children
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11195184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new at-home computer training program for children with OCD aims to strengthen thinking skills to reduce symptoms and improve response to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,033,306 |
| NIH project number | 4R33MH129544-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 8–12 with OCD who are willing to use a computer-based training tool at home.
✕Less likely to help
Children with OCD who cannot complete home training or do not engage with computer-based tasks may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on children ages 8–12 with obsessive-compulsive disorder and tests a kid-friendly computer training game that targets cognitive control. In the initial phase (R61), the training will be given to about 60 children at home to see if it improves how they control thoughts and actions, which could help their OCD symptoms. If early results look good, the plan moves to the R33 phase to further test whether better cognitive control enhances engagement with exposure and response prevention therapy. The study also seeks to identify the best dose or amount of training needed to achieve the most benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could make cognitive-behavioral therapy more effective for children with OCD and reduce lifelong impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests cognitive control is linked to OCD symptoms, and child-friendly cognitive training is a promising approach but requires validation in pediatric OCD.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsh, Rachel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Marsh, Rachel
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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.