Exploring how hormonal changes affect therapy outcomes for OCD
1/2 Harnessing Hormonal Variation to Probe Neural Mechanisms and Optimize CBT Outcomes for OCD
This study is looking at how a type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), affects the brain's response to fear and anxiety, especially in women, by considering how hormone levels, like estrogen, change during their menstrual cycle to find the best times for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10477927 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and ritual prevention (EX/RP), impacts the brain's fear and anxiety networks in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It focuses on understanding the role of hormonal variations, particularly estrogen, in influencing therapy outcomes, especially in women. By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to assess how different menstrual-cycle phases affect brain responses and treatment efficacy. The goal is to optimize therapy for women by timing treatment during periods of high estrogen to improve clinical outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult women with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are not women or those who do not have OCD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies for women with OCD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that hormonal influences can affect treatment outcomes in various psychological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpson, Helen Blair — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Simpson, Helen Blair
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.