Game-like cognitive training for treating OCD in young children

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 study examines the effects of a computerized cognitive control training program designed for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Over four weeks, participants aged 8 to 12 will engage in a child-friendly video game that targets cognitive control processes such as attention and memory. The program will be delivered at home via iPad for 25 minutes a day, five days a week. Participants will undergo assessments and MRI scans before and after the training to evaluate its impact on cognitive function and symptom reduction. Following the training, children will be offered a course of cognitive behavioral therapy to further address their OCD symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages between 8 and 12 years;
* Clinically significant OCD as the principal problem. This is defined as follows: they must meet DSM-V criteria for OCD as assessed with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). OCD must be the primary source of interference and distress (based on clinical evaluation with K- SADS-PL and Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (C-YBOCS) and they must have clinically significant symptoms (i.e., C-YBOCS) ≥ 16;
* Not on psychotropic medication (either treatment-naïve or free of psychotropic medication for at least three months) and not receiving current psychotherapy for OCD;
* Ability to tolerate a treatment-free period (i.e., no treatment other than study CBT);
* Capacity to provide informed assent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or past diagnosis of major depressive disorder, PTSD, substance/alcohol abuse, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, substance/alcohol dependence, or any other Axis I disorder not listed above;
* Active suicidal ideation;
* Females who are pregnant or nursing;
* Any major medical or neurological problem (e.g., unstable hypertension, seizure disorder, head trauma); -Positive urine screen for illicit drugs;
* Presence of metallic device or dental braces;
* IQ \<80;

Where it's running

• Columbia University Irving Medical Center
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rachel Marsh — Columbia University
• Study coordinator: Marsh Lab
• Email: childocdstudy@cumc.columbia.edu
• Phone: 646-774-5868

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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.