Understanding how exposure therapy works for OCD
Official title: Leveraging Machine Learning Approaches to Understand Mechanisms of Exposure Therapy in Real-World Settings
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11059844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure therapy works for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by gathering information from 400 adults to find out what parts of the therapy help different individuals the most, so we can make the treatment better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $659,178 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135899-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are receiving exposure therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have obsessive-compulsive disorder or are not undergoing exposure therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind exposure therapy, which is the most effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By analyzing data from 400 adult participants undergoing exposure therapy at two locations, the study aims to identify which specific mechanisms are most effective for different individuals. Participants will provide baseline clinical information and weekly symptom reports, while their responses will be measured through self-reports, observer ratings, and physiological data during therapy sessions. The goal is to enhance treatment outcomes by tailoring exposure therapy to individual needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with OCD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the mechanisms of exposure therapy, indicating that this approach could provide new insights into treatment effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuckertz, Jennie M — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kuckertz, Jennie M
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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.