Using deep brain stimulation to treat severe obsessive-compulsive disorder
Official title: Connectomic Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11175481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation can help people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder by targeting specific areas in the brain, and it’s for individuals who are struggling with OCD and want to explore new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $763,649 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123542-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who have not responded to traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild OCD or those who have not been diagnosed with OCD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to precisely target and modulate specific brain circuits involved in severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By focusing on a key brain area known as the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC), the study aims to enhance the effectiveness of DBS treatment through advanced imaging techniques and behavioral assessments. Participants will undergo detailed brain mapping and monitoring to identify the most effective stimulation pathways, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for OCD. The research will involve a small group of individuals receiving DBS, who will be closely monitored over time to assess changes in their symptoms and brain activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for individuals suffering from severe OCD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with deep brain stimulation for OCD, but this approach aims to refine and enhance targeting precision, making it a novel advancement.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Ki Sueng — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Choi, Ki Sueng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Connectomic Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
This project studies how targeting brain networks with DBS could improve symptoms for people with OCD who don’t respond to standard treatments.
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Improving Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This study is looking for better ways to use Deep Brain Stimulation to help people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who haven't found relief with regular treatments, by focusing on the connections in the brain to find the best spots to stimulate, and patients may get a chance to join trials that could lead to more ta
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Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
A preliminary clinical trial will test delivering electrical stimulation to the cerebellum in people with spinocerebellar ataxia to see if it improves balance and coordination.
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Exposure and Response Prevention for Veterans with OCD (via video), to help daily functioning
A Veterans-focused program tests video-delivered ERP therapy to help people with OCD and sometimes PTSD feel more able to work and enjoy daily life.
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Improving deep brain stimulation with MRI and AI
We use brain scans and artificial intelligence to speed up and personalize deep brain stimulation settings for people getting DBS.
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Adaptive deep brain stimulation to help Parkinson's patients respond to daily changes
A new, smarter brain stimulation approach for Parkinson’s disease aims to automatically adjust therapy throughout the day to better control symptoms.
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.