Exploring the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), focusing on the orbitofrontal cortex's role in the condition. It aims to enhance understanding of how corticostriatal dysfunction contributes to OCD symptoms, which affect 1-3% of the population. Participants will include individuals diagnosed with OCD and healthy controls, with eligibility criteria ensuring a clear distinction between the two groups. The study will analyze the relationship between brain function and OCD symptoms to inform future treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Exclusively for the OCD group: established diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria;
* Exclusively for the control group: does not meet DSM criteria for any of the psychiatric diagnoses screened by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview;
* Age between 18 and 65 years-old;
* Fluent Portuguese or English speaker.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any acute medical illness;
* Substance abuse or dependence;
* Pregnancy;
* Dementia;
* Developmental disorders with low intelligence quotient or any other form of cognitive impairment;
* Active neurological disease;
* Previously known structural lesion of the central nervous system;
* Illiteracy or otherwise not understanding the study's instructions;
* Inability to give informed consent;
* Individuals presenting with any psychotic or mood disorder condition requiring hospitalization at that moment;
* For experiment 2, these exclusion criteria will be expanded by additional factors that specifically preclude TMS use.

Where it's running

• Champalimaud Foundation
  Lisbon, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Albino J Oliveira-Maia, MD MPH PhD — Director of Neuropsychiatry, Champalimaud Research & Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation
• Study coordinator: Sofia Marques
• Email: sofia.marques@research.fchampalimaud.org
• Phone: 00351 210480048

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• AttunE LIFU for OCD: a non-invasive brain stimulation study

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• Combined ERP and Habit Reversal Therapy for Tourettic OCD

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  Recruiting at 2 sites University College London Hospitals · London, London and 1 other locations · NCT07725926

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.