Using brain imaging to improve deep brain stimulation for OCD treatment

Targeting DBS Therapy to the OCD Network Using fMRI and Intracranial Recordings

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10671069

This study is looking at ways to make deep brain stimulation therapy better for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder by using advanced brain scans to create personalized maps of brain activity, helping doctors find the best treatment for each person.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10671069 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques. The study aims to create personalized maps of brain activity to better target the specific neural circuits involved in OCD. By combining functional MRI and intracranial recordings, researchers hope to identify biomarkers that indicate how well the DBS is working for individual patients. This approach seeks to reduce the trial-and-error process of DBS programming and improve overall treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe OCD symptoms that have not responded to traditional cognitive and medical therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with mild OCD symptoms or those who have not been diagnosed with OCD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients suffering from severe OCD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using brain imaging techniques to enhance the effectiveness of DBS in treating various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.