Understanding brain circuits to improve treatment for OCD
Official title: Neuroanatomically informed biomarker discovery and neurofeedback intervention for OCD
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-10920482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain works in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and aims to find ways to help them feel better by using a new technique that lets them control certain brain connections, starting with healthy volunteers before moving on to those with OCD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $101,389 |
| NIH project number | 5K99MH130648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with OCD who are already responding well to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural circuitry involved in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by combining neuroanatomy from non-human primates with human brain imaging techniques. The goal is to identify specific brain connections that are altered in OCD patients and correlate these changes with symptoms. The study will also explore a novel neurofeedback intervention that allows patients to gain control over these brain circuits, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. Initially, the protocol will be tested in healthy individuals before being applied to those with OCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for OCD, particularly for patients who do not respond to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neurofeedback and neuroimaging to treat various psychiatric disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach in OCD.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trambaiolli, Lucas R — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Trambaiolli, Lucas R
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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.