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Active LCS research studies of OCD & related disorders
1. Genetic and Family Study of OCD and related conditions
2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in OCD
3. OCD Neuroimaging Study
All potential participants in the following studies are given an initial evaluation and consultation regarding OCD and related spectrum disorders. This screening process allows you to better understand your condition while providing us with important information regarding your eligibility for our studies.
1. Genetic and Family Study of OCD and related conditions
We are studying the association of gene variants affecting central neurotransmission with anxiety and negative emotional states along with related psychological conditions. Our preliminary work has shown an association between a genetic variant in the serotonin transporter promoter region and OCD. Additional candidate genes of potential interest are being identified in ongoing studies of OCD and other disorders related to anxiety. We are also participating in a nation-wide genome scan study of OCD.
Participant Information for Genetics & Family Study:
We are currently inviting individuals with OCD and their close relatives to participate in our family genetics study. Our current sample at the NIMH, comprising more than 200 individuals, is being enlarged as part of collaborations with Johns Hopkins and other Universities. Participants will be asked to:
-complete questionnaires
-participate in a telephone or in-person interview
-provide a sample of blood at no cost to you.
Participants are paid for their time.
All information obtained will remain completely confidential.
For more details or to indicate interest in participating, please refer to our Genetics study protocol or contact John Gause at (301) 496-3421 or gausej@intra.nimh.nih.gov.
2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in OCD
As certain personality traits have been known to be associated with various psychiatric disorders, we are currently studying associations between personality traits, cognitive functions, and differences in brain cortex excitability. Our initial research suggests that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can serve as a useful tool for investigating regions of the brain, such as the cortex, potentially involved in OCD. Our current work focuses on using TMS to probe for possible differences in cortical excitability and in brain chemical messenger systems in OCD patients.
Participant Information for TMS study:
OCD patients new to our research may be eligible to undergo paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a noninvasive technique that has been found to be useful as a probe of brain mechanisms in OCD.
-Individuals will first participate in clinical interviews and complete
questionnaires to assess their personality characteristics.
-Blood sample collected for those participating in the genetics study before TMS.
During TMS, we send a soft magnetic pulse to the scalp to elicit a muscle movement in order to measure the excitability of the brain. TMS is not a treatment for OCD. Current studies use the technique strictly as a probe, without any expected therapeutic effect on OCD symptoms.
All information obtained will remain completely confidential.
For more details or to indicate interest in participating, please refer to our OCD TMS study protocol or contact John Gause at (301) 496-3421 or gausej@intra.nimh.nih.gov.
3. OCD Neuroimaging Study
Future study. Please check back periodically for updates.