Understanding Brain Activity in Young People with OCD

Multimodal Investigation of Excitatory/Inhibitory Imbalances and Network Dysfunction Related to Motor Control in OCD Youth: ¹H fMRS and fMRI Applications

NIH-funded research Wayne State University · NIH-10975357

This project looks at how brain activity is out of balance in young people, aged 12-20, who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project IDNIH-10975357 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are using advanced brain imaging techniques, called fMRS and fMRI, to get a clearer picture of how the brain works in young people with OCD. Specifically, we want to understand if certain brain signals, known as excitatory and inhibitory signals, are out of balance in a key brain area called the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). This imbalance might explain some of the symptoms of OCD, like obsessions and compulsions, and related anxiety. By looking closely at these brain signals, we hope to uncover new ways to help young people manage their condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young people between 12 and 20 years old who have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Not a fit: Patients outside the 12-20 age range or those without a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of the brain changes in OCD, potentially guiding the development of more targeted and effective treatments for young people.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team using similar imaging techniques has already shown general brain chemistry and function differences in the dACC of individuals with OCD, providing a strong foundation for this more detailed investigation.

Where this research is happening

Detroit, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.