Understanding and correcting brain circuit issues related to compulsive behaviors

Direct characterization and correction of circuit level computational deficits underlying compulsivity in humans

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10985640

This study is looking at how certain brain areas work in people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder to see if stimulating these areas can help improve their decision-making and control over their urges, with the hope of finding better ways to treat compulsive behaviors.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10985640 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain circuits involved in compulsive behaviors, which are common in various psychiatric disorders. By using advanced deep brain stimulation devices, researchers will record and stimulate neural activity in patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. The goal is to understand how changes in brain activity relate to improvements in cognitive functions like decision-making and inhibitory control. This approach aims to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of compulsivity and develop better treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who are undergoing deep brain stimulation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with mild or moderate compulsive behaviors or those not undergoing deep brain stimulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from compulsive behaviors, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using deep brain stimulation has shown promise in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

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 Body Dysmorphic 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.