Obsessive-compulsive disorder

This trial tests whether an internet-based form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms of common mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions in adults seeking primary care. About 500 participants will be randomly assigned to either th…

This study tests whether a computerized training program designed to improve response inhibition — the ability to stop an automatic action — can reduce symptoms in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), or skin-picking disorder. Participants a…

This study tests whether adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help children and teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) safely stop their medication without symptoms returning. Participants first receive CBT for 12 to 18 weeks, then continue with maintenance sessi…

This trial tests whether a wearable headband called ATTN201 can safely reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. The device delivers low-intensity focused ultrasound to a deep brain region involved in OCD, without surgery. Forty adults with moderate-to-severe OCD will …

This study tests a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method for people with OCD. It uses mild electrical currents guided by brain wave recordings to target a key brain region. The goal is to reduce OCD symptoms quickly and safely, with effects lasting up to three months. The tr…

This study tests whether a 6-week digital mindfulness program, delivered through a mobile app, can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) manage their symptoms. The trial compares the digital therapy alone, standard medication alone, and a combination of both in 150…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) can improve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Researchers will compare two active coils (H7 and H1) against a sham (fake) coil in 96 adults …

This study tests a personalized version of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with other treatments. Researchers will adjust the stimulation to target specific brain circuits linked to each patient's sympto…

This study tests a new way to treat severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with other treatments. Researchers will use brain mapping to guide the placement of four electrodes that deliver mild electrical pulses to specific brain areas. The goal is to see …

This study tests whether a lifestyle program can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) become more active and lower their risk for heart disease and diabetes. Researchers will enroll 108 adults with OCD who are not very active. The program focuses on increasing dai…

This study tests if deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with other treatments. Ten participants will have a device implanted in their brain and be randomly assigned to receive real or sham stimulation. …

This study is testing whether adding stimulation to the front part of the brain can improve standard deep brain stimulation (DBS) for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Fifteen adults with OCD that hasn't improved with other treatments will get DBS plus an extra set of e…

This study tests whether giving e-cigarettes to smokers with mental illness—along with optional behavioral coaching—helps them switch from regular cigarettes and lower their exposure to harmful chemicals. The trial enrolls 250 daily smokers who have tried to quit before but aren'…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who haven't gotten better with medication. The treatment targets a specific brain area linked to OCD. Researchers will measure symptom changes …

This study tests a device called Reclaim DBS, which uses electrical pulses to target brain areas linked to OCD. It's for adults with severe, treatment-resistant OCD who have tried at least three medications and therapy. The goal is to see if it safely reduces obsessive-compulsive…

This study is testing whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) can boost the effects of a type of talk therapy (Exposure and Response Prevention) for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't im…

This study tests a new drug called RR-HNK (related to ketamine) to see if it safely reduces obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. About 45 adults with OCD who haven't improved with standard treatments will receive two doses of the drug or a placebo. The main goal is to me…

This study tests an online wellness course that teaches diet, exercise, stress reduction, and self-care to people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and similar conditions. Researchers want to see if the program reduces fatigue and improves quality of life. Abo…

This study tests whether giving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in person, via video, or a mix of both works best for children aged 5-18 with anxiety or OCD. About 500 kids will be randomly assigned to one of three delivery methods. The goal is to find out which approach impro…

This study compares two types of employment services for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who are unemployed and want to work. All 40 participants will receive up to 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and half will also get Individual Placement and …

This trial tests whether a therapy that blends Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Habit Reversal Training (HbRT) can reduce both obsessive-compulsive and tic symptoms in adults with Tourettic OCD — a subtype where OCD and tic disorders overlap. Standard treatments usuall…

This study tests whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can safely help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thirty adults with moderate to severe OCD who haven't improved with standard treatments will receive either a low, medium, or high dose …

This study tests whether a special helmet that delivers focused ultrasound can safely and effectively calm overactive brain circuits in people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with standard treatments. Participants receive two sessions of this …

This study tests whether a mild nerve stimulation device (tVNS) can make exposure therapy work better for people with OCD. About 56 adults with moderate to severe OCD will receive either real or fake stimulation during therapy sessions. The goal is to see if the combination reduc…

This study tests whether wearing light therapy glasses for one hour each morning can reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in young adults (ages 18–35) who go to bed at 1 a.m. or later. Participants wear the glasses daily for five weeks, track their sleep, and compl…

This study from Yale University will test whether 20 minutes of moderate cycling can reduce obsessive thoughts, compulsive urges, and improve thinking flexibility in adults with OCD. Fifty participants will be randomly assigned to either moderate or low-intensity cycling. Researc…

This study tests a group therapy program called the Unified Protocol for adults with emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, and related conditions. The program teaches skills like emotional awareness, flexible thinking, and facing fears. Researchers want to see if it im…

This study tests a 20-25 minute online program called Project EMPOWER-OCD for caregivers of people with OCD. The program teaches caregivers how to reduce accommodating behaviors that can accidentally make OCD worse. Researchers want to see if it lowers caregiver stress and improv…

This study is testing a new type of talk therapy called Process-Based Therapy (PBT) for people with anxiety. Unlike standard treatments, PBT adapts techniques from different therapies to target each person's specific struggles. Ten adults with moderate-to-severe anxiety will try …

This study tests whether a type of talk therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can improve daily functioning and quality of life in veterans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). About half of the 160 participants also have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…

This study tests whether a special kind of talk therapy, called Emotion-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can reduce symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). About 36 adults with OCD will be randomly assigned to either ACT group therapy or a supportive grou…

This study compares a standard mobile cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program to a personalized version that teaches skills faster. About 100 adults aged 18-25 with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder will use the Maya app for 20 minutes, twice a week, for six weeks. The …

This study is testing a mobile app called MAYA that teaches cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help older adults manage anxiety and depression. About 60 participants aged 40 and older with an anxiety or depressive disorder will use the app for at least 20 minutes, twice…

This study tests whether adding dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) to fluoxetine (an antidepressant) can safely reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions like body dysmorphic disorder. About 60 adults in California will take the combination…

This study tests a computer-based training program called CBM-I for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The training aims to change how people interpret situations, which may reduce OCD symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the training or a cont…

This study explores whether teaching people emotion regulation skills tailored to their individual needs works better than a one-size-fits-all approach. Researchers will enroll 390 adults with emotional difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and assign them to practi…

This study tests an accelerated form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who haven't gotten better with standard treatments. Over 7 days, 30 participants will receive 28 sessions of brain stimulation targeting areas linke…

This study tests whether a therapist-guided online cognitive-behavior therapy program can help reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in children and teens with autism. About 220 participants will receive the online treatment or a comparison condition. The goal is to…

This study compares a blended group therapy (online and in-person sessions) to standard in-person group therapy for adults with anxiety or depression. About 144 participants will receive 16 weeks of treatment. The goal is to see if the blended approach works as well and is accept…

This study tests if a smartphone app called Sidekick can help teenagers with anxiety disorders practice exposure exercises between therapy sessions. About 46 teens aged 13-18 will use the app alongside their usual outpatient treatment. The goal is to see if the app is practical, …

This Stanford study tests how ketamine quickly reduces OCD symptoms by blocking opioid receptors with naltrexone. 150 adults with OCD who haven't responded to standard treatments will receive ketamine plus either naltrexone or a placebo. The goal is to see if the opioid system is…

This study tests whether adding a digital mindfulness program to usual care helps adults aged 18-65 recover from emotional disorders like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and eating disorders. Participants attend online group sessions and use a WeChat mini-program for daily exerci…

This study tests a brief group therapy that teaches people to better understand their own and others' thoughts and feelings (called mentalization). One hundred adults with anxiety or depression will be randomly assigned to this new therapy or to standard group therapy. Researcher…

This study tests a new 10-week group therapy called Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy (MBET) for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The therapy combines mindfulness training with exposure exercises to help patients better manage distress and complete treatment. Res…

This study tests whether acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help adults with religiously oriented obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Ten participants will receive ACT and be assessed for changes in their OCD symptoms and avoidance behaviors. The goal is to see if this …

This early-stage study at Yale is testing whether a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin is safe and tolerable for people whose daily life is impaired by mood, anxiety, trauma, or addiction symptoms. Fifty participants will receive the drug openly (everyone knows they get it) and be f…

This study tests a device that uses gentle electrical fields to stimulate brain areas linked to OCD. 18 adults with moderate-to-severe OCD will receive either real or sham stimulation for 7 days. Researchers will measure symptom changes and use brain scans to understand how it wo…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who did not improve enough with standard exposure therapy. 250 participants will receive either real or sham TMS combined with therapy for 5-7 weeks. The goa…

This study tests whether MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) combined with talk therapy can safely reduce OCD symptoms. About 40 adults with OCD who have not improved with standard treatments will receive either MDMA or a comparison drug during therapy sessions. The goal is t…

This study tests a stepped care model for treating anxiety in children and teens aged 7-17. It starts with a low-cost, parent-focused therapy and offers more intensive treatment only if needed. The goal is to make effective care more accessible while reducing costs and therapist …

This study tests a new, faster version of a brain stimulation treatment called TMS for people with depression or OCD. Instead of daily sessions for weeks, participants get 10 hours of TMS each day for just 5 days. The goal is to see if this quick approach can improve symptoms and…

This study tests a group therapy method called I-Reconstruction to see if it lowers anxiety in adults. Thirty-six participants will attend ten weekly online sessions and complete questionnaires about their anxiety and mood. The researchers will compare them to a group receiving u…

This study tests whether online group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms in adults with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers. Participants will attend 13 sessions via Zoom and be compared to those receiving supporti…

This study tests whether an online, therapist-guided program for insomnia can also reduce anxiety symptoms. 98 adults with both chronic insomnia and anxiety will either start the program immediately or after a delay. The program includes sleep education, behavioural strategies, a…

This study looks at whether combining two common therapy techniques—changing negative thoughts and practicing detached mindfulness—works better than using them alone for people with anxiety or depression. Researchers will compare the effects of each technique and their order. The…

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by letting them face their fears in a safe, computer-generated world. 62 inpatients will be randomly assigned to standard therapy plus VR exposure, VR cognitive games, or standa…

This study tests whether a short, culturally adapted form of cognitive behaviour therapy (CaCBT) can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in Pakistan. Researchers will enroll 166 adults with OCD and measure changes in symptoms, depression, and anxiety. The therapy…

This study tests whether a drug called psilocybin, given alongside talk therapy, can help people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who haven't gotten better with standard treatments. Fifteen adults will receive three eight-hour sessions under the influence of psiloc…

This study tests a game-like iPad program called cognitive control training (AKL-T01) in 60 children aged 8–12 with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For 4 weeks, kids play the game 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, to improve focus and self-control. Researchers will check if t…

This study is testing whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) — a noninvasive device that sends sound waves to the brain — can help people with chronic back pain, opioid cravings, and anxiety. Researchers will enroll 25 adults and measure safety, mood, heart rate, and oth…

This study is testing whether virtual reality (VR) can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) face their fears in a safe, controlled way. Thirty adults with OCD will try five weekly VR sessions that expose them to situations that trigger their symptoms. The goal is …

This study tests a new, faster version of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Twenty adults with OCD who haven't improved enough with standard treatments will receive six TMS sessions each day for five days. The goal is to see if this …

This study tests whether brief, online self-guided programs can help parents of children ages 2-7 better manage their child's anxiety. About 90 parents will be randomly assigned to one of three programs. The goal is to see if these programs reduce how much parents accommodate the…

This study looks at how the brains of children with anxiety disorders work differently from healthy children. Researchers will use brain scans and thinking tasks to track changes over a year, before and after standard treatments like therapy or medication. The goal is to find pat…

This study at the National Institute of Mental Health screens up to 16,000 people with mood or anxiety disorders, as well as healthy volunteers, to see if they can join other research studies. Participants undergo evaluations like psychiatric interviews, brain scans, and lab test…

This study looks at how people with depression or anxiety respond to different types of psychotherapy—individual sessions or an online program. It aims to find clues that predict who benefits most from each approach. By understanding these factors, doctors may better match patien…

This study investigates how the gut-brain axis—the communication network between gut bacteria and the brain—might be involved in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Researchers will compare gut microbiome, blood metabolites, brain imaging, and EEG data from children wi…

This observational study aims to understand why some people are more impulsive or compulsive than others. Researchers will use brain scans, genetic tests, and behavioral surveys in 1,100 participants aged 6 to 80, including those with ADHD, OCD, autism, and conduct disorder. The …

This pilot study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely target brain areas linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Ten adults with chronic OCD will receive single sessions of ultrasound to up to three brain regions. Researchers will measure change…

This study at Yale investigates how people with OCD process fear and safety signals in the brain. Researchers will use mild electrical stimulation (tDCS) to see if it can improve fear extinction learning, which is key to exposure therapy. 180 adults with OCD will undergo brain sc…

This study will implant deep brain stimulation devices in 10 adults with severe, treatment-resistant OCD to record brain activity during approach and avoidance tasks. Researchers will compare clinic-based and at-home recordings to find neural markers of OCD symptoms. The goal is …

This study looks at whether giving exposure therapy for OCD at different times in a woman's menstrual cycle changes how well it works. Researchers will use brain scans to see if hormones affect the brain's fear network and OCD symptoms. The goal is to find the best time in the cy…

This study uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to map brain circuits in 180 adults with depression, OCD, anxiety, or schizophrenia. Participants receive accelerated TMS over two days while completing behavioral tests and questionnaires. The goal is to understand which br…

This study investigates whether the quality of parent-adolescent communication at the start of psychiatric inpatient treatment predicts how much symptoms improve six months later. Researchers will track 60 adolescents hospitalized for depression, anxiety, or other mental disorder…

This study is observing 400 adults with OCD who are receiving exposure therapy. Researchers will use machine learning to analyze self-reports, behavior, and physiological data from therapy sessions. The goal is to identify which mechanisms lead to better outcomes, so therapy can …

This study is testing whether a carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge can predict which patients with anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or panic disorder will not respond to exposure-based therapy. Researchers will enroll 600 adults and measure their reaction to breathing CO2-enriched air before star…

This study looks at brain activity in 100 adults with epilepsy who already have electrodes implanted for seizure monitoring. Researchers will record brain signals while participants answer questionnaires and perform memory and impulse-control tasks. The goal is to find links betw…

This study looks at whether a child's genes can predict if they will have certain side effects from common antidepressants (SSRIs). Researchers will collect saliva samples from 120 children and young adults aged 6 to 24 with depression, anxiety, or OCD. The goal is to find geneti…

This study looks at medical records from over 150,000 people who received NeuroStar TMS (a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment) for depression, OCD, or anxiety. Researchers want to find out which patient traits and treatment settings lead to the best results. No new treatmen…

This study looks back at the treatment records of about 12,000 people with depression, OCD, or anxiety. Researchers will compare how well two treatments—NeuroStar TMS and Esketamine—reduce symptoms. The goal is to learn which approach works better in real-world settings.

This study is gathering information from 4500 people who have or will have brain surgery for conditions like aneurysms, tumors, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. The goal is to find patterns that help doctors predict how well someone will recover. By standardizing how outcomes a…

This study tests whether a device called rTMS, which uses magnetic pulses to temporarily change brain activity, can alter how people with anxiety respond to fearful situations. Researchers will measure brain signals and reactions in 80 adults who recently started anxiety treatmen…

This study is creating a shared database of children who have received deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders like dystonia, epilepsy, or Tourette syndrome. By pooling data from multiple hospitals, researchers hope to answer key questions about who benefits most and …

This study tests whether using a life history calendar—a simple grid that helps people recall important life events—can improve the accuracy of mental health surveys. Researchers in Hong Kong will ask 2,500 adults about their mental health using either a standard interview or one…

This study tests whether combining a one-time session of brain stimulation (rTMS or electrical scalp stimulation) with emotion regulation training helps people with mood, anxiety, or related disorders better control their emotions. 240 participants will learn either cognitive res…

This study is a registry that will follow up to 1,000 adults with treatment-resistant depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or ketamine/esketamine. Researchers will collect data from…

This study looks at 50 people with OCD or Tourette syndrome to find clear differences between compulsions and tics. Participants wear a smartwatch and a portable brain-wave recorder at home and in the lab. The goal is to help doctors choose the right treatment by using objective …

This research study collects health information from 10,000 people with brain inflammation conditions like Long COVID, ME/CFS, and autoimmune diseases. Participants use a smartphone app to share symptoms, health history, and wearable data. The goal is to find disease subtypes and…

This study tests whether a short, safe ear-water stimulation (caloric vestibular stimulation) can temporarily improve insight in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or illness anxiety. Sixteen adults with strongly held beliefs will receive the sti…

This study aims to find brain activity patterns and thinking skills that can predict which people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) will not respond well to standard treatments. Researchers will use brain scans and cognitive tests in 100 participants with OCD and compare t…

This study is looking at how people with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer's or stroke) perform on computer-based thinking tests. The goal is to create a detailed map of cognitive strengths and weaknesses acr…

This study uses brain imaging and a single dose of the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam to understand how people with both depression and anxiety disorders process threats differently than those with depression alone. About 165 adults will complete two sessions involving startle tests…

This study uses brain wave recordings (EEG) and computer models to better understand why people with OCD feel compelled to repeat certain actions. Researchers will compare 50 adults with OCD to 50 healthy volunteers. The goal is to find more precise brain patterns linked to compu…

This study tests whether a technology called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) can temporarily change brain activity linked to anxiety. Researchers will recruit 40 adults with anxiety disorders who recently started treatment. Participants will undergo brain imaging and then …

This study is looking for genetic markers linked to a side effect called behavioral activation—feeling overly excited or agitated—that can happen when children and youth take SSRI antidepressants for depression, anxiety, or OCD. Researchers will collect DNA from 160 participants …