Investigating how ketamine affects the brain's opioid system in treating OCD
Official title: Examining Mu Opioid Mechanisms of Ketamine's Rapid Effects in OCD
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10912649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ketamine might quickly help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who haven't had success with regular medications, by exploring how it works in the brain to ease their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $721,353 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133553-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with OCD who have responded well to serotonin reuptake inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential of ketamine as a rapid treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly for individuals who do not respond to traditional serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The study aims to understand how ketamine interacts with the mu-opioid system in the brain and its effects on OCD symptoms. By using advanced imaging techniques and pharmacological interventions, researchers will assess the neural mechanisms involved in ketamine's action. This could lead to the development of more effective treatments for OCD, especially for those who have not found relief with existing medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a faster and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from OCD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with ketamine in treating depression, suggesting potential for success in OCD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Carolyn I — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Carolyn I
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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.