Understanding and correcting brain circuits linked to compulsive behaviors in people
Direct characterization and correction of circuit level computational deficits underlying compulsivity in humans
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11166515
This project aims to better understand and potentially correct the brain circuits that contribute to compulsive behaviors in individuals with serious psychiatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Compulsive behaviors, like persistent thoughts or actions despite negative outcomes, are a common challenge in many mental health conditions. This work uses advanced deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, which are already FDA-approved for certain conditions, to both stimulate and record brain activity in patients. By observing brain activity as patients improve, researchers hope to uncover how changes in brain circuits relate to improvements in cognitive processes like inhibitory control and learning. The goal is to pinpoint the specific brain circuit issues that lead to compulsivity and find ways to correct them. This approach could lead to more targeted treatments for conditions involving compulsive behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work focuses on individuals with serious psychiatric illnesses who experience compulsive behaviors and may be candidates for deep brain stimulation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience compulsive behaviors or are not candidates for deep brain stimulation would likely not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more precise treatments that directly address the brain circuit problems causing compulsive behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: The use of deep brain stimulation devices for recording brain activity in patients is a newer approach, building on established therapeutic uses of DBS.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SMITH, ANDREW HOWARD — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: SMITH, ANDREW HOWARD
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 below.
Conditions: Body Dysmorphic Disorder