Improving Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Official title: Toward Connectomic Deep Brain Stimulation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11094839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to use Deep Brain Stimulation to help people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who haven't found relief with regular treatments, by focusing on the connections in the brain to find the best spots to stimulate, and patients may get a chance to join trials that could lead to more tailored and effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,154 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130666-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who have not responded to traditional treatment methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with OCD who have responded well to conventional treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who do not respond to standard treatments. By focusing on specific brain networks rather than just individual brain regions, the study aims to identify the most effective targets for stimulation. The approach involves analyzing both structural and functional connectivity in the brain to determine which methods best guide DBS. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in trials that could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored treatments for patients with OCD, particularly those who have not benefited from conventional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using network-based approaches for DBS, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fox, Michael D — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fox, Michael D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Connectomic Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
This project studies how targeting brain networks with DBS could improve symptoms for people with OCD who don’t respond to standard treatments.
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Using deep brain stimulation to treat severe obsessive-compulsive disorder
This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation can help people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder by targeting specific areas in the brain, and it’s for individuals who are struggling with OCD and want to explore new treatment options.
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Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
A preliminary clinical trial will test delivering electrical stimulation to the cerebellum in people with spinocerebellar ataxia to see if it improves balance and coordination.
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Exposure and Response Prevention for Veterans with OCD (via video), to help daily functioning
A Veterans-focused program tests video-delivered ERP therapy to help people with OCD and sometimes PTSD feel more able to work and enjoy daily life.
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Improving deep brain stimulation with MRI and AI
We use brain scans and artificial intelligence to speed up and personalize deep brain stimulation settings for people getting DBS.
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Adaptive deep brain stimulation to help Parkinson's patients respond to daily changes
A new, smarter brain stimulation approach for Parkinson’s disease aims to automatically adjust therapy throughout the day to better control symptoms.
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.