Improving cognitive control to help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in young children
Official title: Cognitive control targets for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder in young children
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10927361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help kids aged 8 to 12 with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by using a fun computer program they can do at home to boost their ability to manage their thoughts and actions, making traditional therapy even more effective.
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, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $891,613 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH129544-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 8 to 12 who have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 8 to 12 years or those without a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing cognitive control in children aged 8 to 12 who are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It utilizes a child-friendly computerized cognitive training intervention that can be done at home, aiming to improve the children's ability to manage their thoughts and behaviors. By strengthening cognitive control, the study seeks to improve the effectiveness of traditional therapy methods, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention. The research will involve 60 children and assess their progress through behavioral markers of cognitive control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for children with OCD, potentially reducing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive training interventions to enhance cognitive control in various populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for 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.