Using light therapy to help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder
Official title: Light therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A circadian medicine approach
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10949780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether light therapy can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by possibly resetting their body clocks, and it involves two groups—one getting real light therapy and the other getting a fake treatment—to see if it can reduce OCD symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,606 |
| NIH project number | 1K23MH137376-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience OCD symptoms and have delayed bedtimes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have OCD or those whose symptoms are not related to circadian rhythm disturbances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of light therapy as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by focusing on how it may help reset circadian rhythms in affected individuals. Participants will be divided into two groups, one receiving actual light therapy and the other receiving a placebo, to assess the effectiveness of this approach in reducing OCD symptoms. The study will also explore how changes in light exposure patterns and sensitivity may relate to OCD symptoms. By understanding these relationships, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies for those struggling with OCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with OCD, particularly those who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While light therapy has shown effectiveness in treating similar disorders, this specific application for OCD is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Rebecca C — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cox, Rebecca C
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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.