Improving cognitive control to help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in young children

Cognitive control targets for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder in young children

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10927361

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10927361 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 8 to 12 who have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.