What is involved?
Participants will be randomized to a new behavioral treatment for compulsive hoarding or case management. There are no fees or costs associated with participation. This is a non-medication study.

Who is eligible?
To participate, you must be over the age of 60 and live in San Diego, California.

Who do I contact?
Please call Catherine Ayers, Ph.D., ABPP at 858-552-8585 extension 2976 for more information.

VA Career Development Award: Treatment of Late Life Compulsive Hoarding (Ayers PI; CSRD-068-10S)

Take Part In A Psychology Research Study

Do you dislike the way any part(s) of your body look?
you try to hide, change, or check your appearance?
you feel the need to do certain things "just right?" Does this interfere with work, school, family, or friends?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

This study might be a good opportunity for you to learn more about your symptoms.

If you answered no to all these questions, you can still help us learn more about these disorders

Visit www.bddocdstudy.com for more information and how to participate.

Participants will be entered in a raffle to win a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Supportive Psychotherapy for BDD

Anne Wilson
(617) 643-4357
AWILSON15@PARTNERS.ORG

The purpose of this research study is to learn more about two different forms of therapy to help individuals with BDD: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a promising new treatment for BDD, and supportive psychotherapy (SPT), the most commonly received therapy for BDD. The investigators would like to find out which treatment is more effective for BDD. Participants will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive 22 sessions (over 24 weeks) of either CBT or SPT.

Reactions to Hoarding

Principal Investigators: Martin M. Antony, PhD, CPsych, & Valerie Vorstenbosch, MA
Email: hoardingstudy@psych.ryerson.ca

Do you or a loved one have difficulties throwing things away? Researchers in the Department of Psychology at Ryerson University are seeking individuals to participate in a hoarding research project. The purpose of the project is to investigate loved ones’ reactions to hoarding-related behaviors (acquiring, difficulty discarding, clutter).

A brief online screening questionnaire (which participants will not receive compensation for) is required to determine eligibility. If you and your loved one are eligible to participate, you will both be asked to complete a series of online questionnaires and a telephone interview. You will be compensated for your participation, if eligible.

For more information about the study, please visit www.hoardingstudy.ca. If you are interested in participating in this study, please email Valerie Vorstenbosch at hoardingstudy@psych.ryerson.ca.

OCD and relationships

The goal of this study is to gather information about the relationships of individuals with OCD and those who hoard. To do so, we are asking people who have OCD and who hoard to complete questionnaires about their emotions and relationships. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this study.This study involves completing a Web-based survey. The survey includes detailed questions about you, your emotions, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and your relationships. It should take less than one hour to complete.

Some people may find it emotionally uncomfortable to think about their emotions and relationships. However, we would expect that any distress that you experience will last only for the duration of the study.

If you choose to participate, your privacy will be protected at all times during the study. You may enter your name and contact information during the completion of the study in order to enter a raffle to win one of two $100 Target Giftcards, which will be awarded at the completion of the study. The research team will do everything possible to maintain your privacy and confidentiality. Only study personnel and members of the board that protects the rights of participants will have access to the information that you provide in this survey. Your questionnaire information will be transferred via the internet to the experimenter. All efforts have been made to maintain your privacy during this transfer, however, no guarantees can be made about other people (like hackers) trying to get the data when you send it by the Internet. Also, your contact information will be removed from the data as soon as it is downloaded but will be maintained in a separate list should you win one of the two gift cards.

It is important that you complete the survey in a quiet, private place free of distractions and interruptions.

The information that you provide could help to understand more about the relationships of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This information could improve therapies for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

If you have problems accessing the study, please send an e-mail reply to axp335@case.edu.

The study can be accessed from the following address: http://filer.case.edu/~axp335/ocd.htm

Romantic Partners’ and Adult Children’s Views: OCD and Relationships

The goal of this study is to gain information about the relationships of individuals with OCD and those who hoard from the perspective of romantic relationship partners and adult children. To do so, we are asking romantic partners and adult children of individuals with OCD and/or hoarding to fill out on surveys including questions about what it is like to be in a relationship with an individual who has OCD and/or hoards. The survey also includes questions about the individual with OCD’s anxiety symptoms and questions about your own emotions, anxiety, and depression. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this study.

At the end of the survey you will have the option to enter your name and contact information during the completion of the study in order to enter a raffle to win one of two $50 Target Giftcards, which will be awarded at the completion of the study. Your name and contact information will not be provided to anyone and will be kept entirely confidential.

It is important that you complete the survey in a quiet, private place free of distractions and interruptions.

The information that you provide could help to understand more about the relationships of individuals with OCD and those who hoard. This could help to improve therapies for hoarding and OCD.

If you have problems accessing the study, please send an e-mail reply to axp335@case.edu.

The study can be accessed from the following address: http://filer.case.edu/~axp335/famocd.htm

Study of Web-based Treatment for OCD

Do you have obsessive-compulsive disorder or think you might? Have you had trouble finding treatment for your OCD? Do you use the Internet? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you might be eligible to participate in a research study conducted by Dr. Kenneth Kobak of the Center for Psychological Consultation.

This study will evaluate a new, web-based treatment program for obsessive-compulsive disorder called BT Steps. BT Steps teaches participants skills from cognitive behavior therapy and is based on an earlier, telephone-based program that was shown to be effective in a research trial. In the current research study, we will assess the effectiveness of BT Steps alone, or supported by coaching from either a trained coach or a cognitive behavior therapist. This study is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old, have OCD, and use or be willing to use the Internet. Participants will be compensated up to $150 for their participation.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this study please contact Revere Greist at (608) 556-0766 or rgreist@centerforpsychconsulting.com.

Yale Child Study Center Seeks Research Participants

Parents of children aged 7-17 who have OCD are invited to participate in a study designed to look at the impact of a child’s OCD on the functioning of the parents and the family.You (parents only- not child) will be asked to complete some questionnaires about yourself and your child and a clinician will ask you some questions about you and your family.

We offer:

Free parking
50$ compensation

For more information or to enroll please:
Call 203-785-7905 and leave a message

Or Email holly.hermes@yale.edu
IRB#: 1101007868A002

Attentional Processes in Scrupulous OCD

Michelle Silverman
(617) 724-4354
MCSILVERMAN@PARTNERS.ORG

The purpose of this study is to examine how individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) pay attention to things. OCD is a psychiatric illness characterized by persistent and intrusive obsessions and/or repetitive, time-consuming compulsions. For this study, we are recruiting people whose OCD symptoms are focused on contamination, religious, or moral concerns. Participants will come into the clinic for one visit (approximately 3-4 hours) and complete an interview with a clinician, fill out questionnaires, and complete a series of computerized attention tasks. Participants will receive $75 compensation for completing the study and reimbursement for parking.

Medication Study for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

(PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.)
Michelle Silverman
(617) 724-4354
www.mghocd.org/bdd
MCSILVERMAN@PARTNERS.ORG

Some individuals with appearance concerns may suffer from a condition called Body Dysmorphic Disorder, BDD, which is characterized by an excessive concern with a perceived flaw in one's appearance. We are conducting a medication treatment study for adults with BDD that seeks to establish the efficacy of Lexapro, a marketed antidepressant medication, in the treatment of this disorder. Additionally, this study seeks to determine whether individuals who do well on Lexapro will continue to do well after discontinuation of the medication. It is hoped that some of the gains made during medication treatment can be maintained after the treatment has ceased. Lexapro is among the most highly recommended medications for BDD, although there is currently no FDA approved medication for BDD.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Families with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

(PI: Jeanne Fama, Ph.D.)
Katherine Crowe
(617) 643-4387
www.mghocd.org
www.mghocd.org/bdd
KCROWE2@PARTNERS.ORG

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors associated with symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This study will explore thinking patterns, behaviors, beliefs, and relationships in individuals and families with OCD and/or BDD and those without OCD or BDD. The goal of the study is to improve our understanding of factors that may contribute to the symptoms of OCD and BDD. Such knowledge may ultimately help us to develop prevention/early intervention strategies for these disorders. During participation, comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic interviews, computer tasks, and self-report measures will be administered to children diagnosed with OCD or BDD or no disorder as well to their first-degree relatives.

An Open Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Body Dysmorphic Disorder

(PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.)
Lillian Reuman
(617) 643-6204
www.mghocd.org/bdd
LREUMAN@PARTNERS.ORG

The purpose of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. CBT is the most effective psychological treatment for adults with BDD. Information we have so far suggests that CBT might prove effective in treating children and adolescents with BDD as well.

Duloxetine for the Treatment of OCD

(PI: Darin Dougherty, M.D.)
Tina Chou
(617) 643-4742
www.mghocd.org
TCHOU@PARTNERS.ORG

This study is for people with OCD who are not currently taking any other psychiatric medications (other meds, including birth control, are fine). The study runs for 17 weeks, and involves 6 visits to our clinic in Charlestown. During the first visit subjects are interviewed about their past psychiatric history, and complete a variety of questionnaires. The first study visit is the longest (1-2 hours), but visits after that take 20-30 minutes each. At these visits, subjects fill out some short symptom assessments, and discuss how treatment is going for them. At the final visit we will assess the patients' progress and discuss future treatment options. There is no compensation for the study, but the medication is provided free of charge. Patients who wish to enroll must not be on any psychiatric medications, nor can they be undergoing current behavior therapy. Patients with comorbid bipolar disorder or psychosis are excluded, as are patients who have had a depressive episode in the last 12 months.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Behavior Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

(PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.)
Michelle Silverman
(617) 724-4354
www.mghocd.org/bdd
MCSILVERMAN@PARTNERS.ORG

In this research study we seek to investigate the effectiveness of D-cycloserine as a memory booster for Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. D-cycloserine is an antibiotic that has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis for over 20 years. Research so far demonstrates D-cycloserine does increase the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We would like to expand this research with D-cycloserine to see if it is effective with body dysmorphic disorder.

Attentional Bias in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

(PI: Jennifer Greenberg, Psy.D.)
Lillian Reuman
(617) 643-6204
www.mghocd.org/bdd
LREUMAN@PARTNERS.ORG

We are seeking adults who are very worried about how they look to participate in a research study involving a clinical interview, questionnaires, and computerized tasks. Participation includes two visits to MGH, and up to $100 compensation.

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder

(PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.)
Katherine Crowe
(617) 643-4387
https://mghocd.org/tics
KCROWE2@PARTNERS.ORG

The purpose of this research study is to develop and test a new treatment for adults with TS or CTD. The treatment that we are studying is called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a well-established intervention designed to promote nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness of one's bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Many clinics and health centers nationwide now use it to treat various medical and psychological conditions. In this study, we are testing a version of MBSR that we have tailored specifically for the treatment of tics (MBSR-tics). This treatment has never been tested for the treatment of tics so we do not know if it will be helpful. This is what we hope to discover with this research study. Eligible participants will attend 8 weekly 2-hour MBSR-tics classes as well as one 4-hour weekend class during the 5th or 6th week of the study. Each class will have between 4 and 16 participants and 2 instructors. The classes will provide instruction and practice in mindful meditation. Mindful meditation is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a perception (e.g., sound, taste), bodily sensation, thought, or emotion. The practices are designed to help you develop a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. As we mentioned above, the classes have been specifically tailored to individuals with tics. Accordingly, each class will provide information about tics and how mindfulness and mindful meditation can be applied to the management of tics in your daily life. Enrollment is limited and the first class is scheduled to begin on July 7, 2011, so please don’t hesitate to call.

Anonymous Online Survey on Body Movements in Adults with and without OCD

If you are an adult with or without OCD, you are invited to participate in a brief online survey. With the information gathered from this survey, we hope to estimate the prevalence of and begin to understand the function of subtle movements among individuals with OCD. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. While there are no direct benefits for completing the survey, $1 will be donated to the International OCD Foundation for each participant. All information provided will be kept completely anonymous. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Marilyn Cugnetto at the NeuroBehavioral Institute at 954-217-1757.You can access the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/nbi1

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) Research Study for Children

Children who suddenly developed repetitive behaviors or obsessive thoughtsafter a strep infection may be able to take part in a research study at theNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Bethesda, Maryland. We areseeking children with PANDAS between the ages of 4-12 to participate inan inpatient study of whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) improvessymptoms for children with PANDAS.

In the first 5-day inpatient stay, some children will receive IVIG and somewill receive placebo. This will be decided randomly (like the flip of a coin).After 6 weeks, children with severe persistent symptoms may receive IVIGduring another inpatient visit. Two additional one- or two-day outpatientvisits are required. There is no cost to participate, and travel and lodgingassistance will be provided. Parental consent is required.

For further information please call Rachel Kuschner at Yale (203-737-5588)or Lorraine Lougee at NIH (301-435-6652), or call TTY# 1-866-411-1010,or email Rachel.kuschner@yale.edu or lougeel@mail.nih.gov. NationalInstitute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department ofHealth and Human Services.

Does your child have OCD? Are you currently seeking treatment for your child?

Study Title: D-Cycloserine Augmentation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric OCD

Researchers at the University of South Florida in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida and at MassachusettsGeneral Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts are currently investigating how well a medication called D-Cycloserine (DCS) works to help children with OCD respond better to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).CBT is a form of psychotherapy that has already been shown to help kids with OCD.

All children in the study will receive ten sessions of CBT. There is a 50% chance your child will receivethe study medication, and a 50% change that your child will receive a placebo pill. The study alsoinvolves eight visits to the clinic where you and your child will participate in study assessments.These assessments will involve answering questions about your child’s OCD and other psychologicalsymptoms. In addition, we will draw a small amount of your child’s blood toward the beginning and endof the study to make sure she or he is healthy.

To be in the study, your child must:

Be diagnosed with OCD by the doctors in our clinic
Be between the ages of 7 and 17 years
Not have any health problems that could interfere with study participation

There is no cost to participating in this study. We will not charge you for CBT, the study medication, orany of the evaluations.

For more information, please contact study coordinator Anna Jones at the Rothman Center forNeuropsychiatry at the University of South Florida at (727) 767-8230, or study coordinator Ashley Brownat Massachusetts General Hospital at (617) 503-1436.

Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eric Storch
800 6th Street South, 4th Floor North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
rothmanctr@health.usf.edu

Massachusetts General Hospital
Principal Investigator: Dr. Daniel Geller
185 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 2000
Cambridge, MA 02138

Potential Adjunctive Treatment for OCD Patients who do not AdequatelyRespond to Treatment with a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Need more help for your OCD? Many people with OCD experience only a partial response to currentlyavailable medications.

Montefiore Medical Center and multiple sites across the U.S. are seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of low-dose ondansetron augmentation for the treatment of OCD in patients who have not adequately responded to their current SRI therapy after at least 12 weeks of stable treatment.

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive ondansetron 0.5 mg, ondansetron 0.75 mg, or placebo, twice daily. Participants will continue the current SRI treatment and receive 12 weeks of augmentation. Participants completing the 12-week treatment may have the opportunity to continue treatment for up to one additional year. Treatment is provided at no cost.

Eligibility criteria: Participants must have a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of OCD as their primary disorder who have been on a stable treatment regimen of clomipramine, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine or sertraline for at least 6 weeks may be eligible for this study. Six additional weeks of stable SRI treatment, without adequate clinical response, will be required prior to randomization, after which the participant will receive SRI plus study drug, for a total of 12 more weeks.

Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria include, but are not restricted to the following:

Failure to respond to more than 2 SRI treatments prior to current SRI
Hoarding as primary OCD symptom
Current or past medical history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, schizotypal personality disorder, bipolar disorder, Tourette syndrome, autism or autistic spectrum disorders, eating disorders, PTSD
Requiring active behavioral therapy
History of drug addiction or drug, alcohol or other substance abuse within the past 12 months
Currently taking, or having taken within the previous 8 weeks, any of the following: other SRIs, antipsychotic drugs, lithium, benzodiazepines or other anxiolytics, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, or other anti-depressants (including St. John’s Wort)
Likely to use triptans at any time during the study
Believed to have suicidal or homicidal risk

Contact: For more information, please contact us at 877-509-6626 or go to www.OCDStudy.info.

Locations: Multiple U.S. sites- Southwestern Research, Inc. in Beverly Hills, CA; Sun Valley Research Center in Imperial, CA; Pacific Institute for Medical Research in Los Angeles, CA; Compass Research, LLC in Orlando, FL; Emory University in Atlanta, GA; Carman Research in Smyrna, GA; The Rogers Center for Research and Training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Global Medical Institutes, LLC, Princeton Medical Institute in Princeton, NJ; Biobehavioral Institute, Hofstra in Great Neck, NY; Columbia University Medical Center, NYS Psychiatric in New York, NY; Richard H. Weisler, MD, PA, and Associates in Raleigh, NC; Quest Therapeutics of Avon Lake in Avon Lake, OH; Community Clinical Research in Austin, TX; Clinical Trials of Texas in San Antonio, TX.

Do You Or Your Child Have Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder?

If so...your family may be eligible to participate in a research study examining possible genetic links among individuals with OCD. Dr. Martin Franklin at the University of Pennsylvania's Child and Adolescent OCD, Tics, Trichotillomania andAnxiety Group (COTTAGe) is conducting a research study in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University(JHU) to explore the possible genetic links among families with children or adults with OCD. Participantswith a diagnosis of OCD and their two biological parents will be asked to come in to the COTTAGe for one visitthat will involve a blood draw from all three family members. This study is funded by the National Instituteof Mental Health. Participants who continue on to complete the other phase of the study with JHU will becompensated by JHU. For more information call Aubrey Edson at (215) 746-3327 or visit our website at www.med.upenn.edu/cottage.

Online Hoarding Research Study

I am collecting data for my dissertation research project, which is studyingthe psychological experience of hoarding. I am looking for volunteers over18 years of age who are interested in participating. The study is completelyconfidential. You are never asked to identify yourself. The purpose of the studyis to better understand the psychological experience of hoarding. If you chooseto participate, you will be asked to fill out some demographic questions, and thencomplete three questionnaires: one about possible psychological issues you mayor may not be experiencing, one about your thoughts and behaviors regardingsaving objects, and finally one about your experience with the loss of a lovedone. The entire study should take approximately 75 minutes to complete. If youare interested in volunteering, the website is http://www.jocelynpeckstudy.com.

Anonymous Online Survey of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Features

Chance to win $100 Target gift card

Researchers at Columbia University/NYSPI are seeking adults (18 years old or older) to complete an online survey about obsessive-compulsive personality features. Participation is anonymous and typically takes up to 60 minutes. The information gathered will contribute to a better understanding of the nature of personality-related problems, leading to improved assessment methods and treatment interventions. Participation is limited to once per person. For more information please click on this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PhaseIVSurvey

Brain Imaging Research Study (# 6218) Seeks Adolescent Participants with OCD

Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York

Please note that this is an opportunity to participate in research for compensation and not a job posting.

We are looking for adolescents age 12-17 with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to participate in a research study.

This study is investigating the brain of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) compared to healthy volunteers for research purposes. The study uses two brain imaging procedures called Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). You will undergo one scan, which lasts for approximately 75 minutes and takes images (pictures) of your brain. There is no radiation exposure risk from the scan. The images are not used for clinical or diagnostic purposes. All information will be kept completely confidential.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF PARTICIPATING:
Participants are compensated $175 for their time. Please call us to discuss in more detail the benefits and risks of participating.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:

Participants between the ages of 12 and 17 who have OCD as their primary problem and are not currently on any psychiatric medications, or are on a stable dose of medication, may be eligible.
Participants must be able to travel to the New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University at 1051 Riverside Drive (at 168 Street) in Manhattan and must not be pregnant.

PROCEDURES:

Screening by phone.
If potentially eligible, a psychiatric and medical evaluation and clinical assessments to confirm eligibility (time estimate of 2-3 hours).
If eligible, a MRI/MRS scan (time estimate of 75 minutes)

This is not a part-time job. Compensation is being provided for participation in a research study.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Children’s Day Unit, Columbia University
(212) 543-0266

Location: Columbia University Medical Center, NY
Compensation: $175 for completion of study and offered two months of free treatment as needed.
Phone calls about this are ok.
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products, or commercial interests.

Are you a: Packrat? Hoarder? Clutterer?

The UCSD Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) Program is looking for people with problems with
hoarding, saving or clutter to take part in a study that is providing:

Diagnostic Evaluation
Brain Imaging Scans
12 weeks free medication treatment
Neuropsychological Evaluation

Study Conducted by Sanjaya Saxena, MD
UCSD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Program
Department of Psychiatry, UCSD School of Medicine

For more information, please call (858) 534-8056

Healthy females age 35-65

Participants will receive:

PET and MRI scans of the brain
A Psychiatric Evaluation
A Neuropsychological Evaluation
Payment for participation

You may be eligible if you:

Have no history of psychiatric disorders
Are in good physical health
Are not taking any medications that affect the brain

For more information please call (858) 534-8056

UCLA Research Opportunity for Kids and Teens with OCD

We are studying non-drug Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the brain in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This UCLA Research Study, conducted by John Piacentini, Ph.D. and Joseph O’Neill, Ph.D., is investigating braincorrelates of OCD. We are seeking help from children 8-17 with OCD to participate in thisstudy. Participation involves MRI scans, EEG recordings, and 12 sessions of nonmedicationCognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Please call (310) 206-1350 for more information.

UCLA Research Study for Adults and Children with OCD

This UCLA Research Study, conducted by James McCracken, M.D., is investigating geneticfactors that may increase the risk for OCD. We are seeking help from individuals withOCD (adults and children 8 years-old and up) and their parents to participate in this study.Participation involves an interview and blood draws and you will be compensated $145 forparticipants’ time.

Please call (310) 206-1350 for more information

UCLA Research Study for Kids & Teens with OCD and Chronic Tic Disorders

We Are Studying Computer Based Attention Training Treatment for Kids with OCD andChronic Tic Disorders

This UCLA Research Study conducted by Dr. Susanna Chang is investigating theusefulness of a novel computer-based attention training treatment for childhood OCD and ticdisorders. We are seeking help from children ages 8 – 17 with OCD or tics as study participants.Participation involves EEG recordings and 5 weeks of a non-medication attention trainingtreatment.

Call (310) 825-0122 for more information.

Computer Based OCD Research Study

The Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking volunteers to participate in a brief, one-visit
research study involving computerized tasks.

To participate in this study, you must:

Have contamination, religious, or moral OCD symptoms
Be at least 18 years old
Be in good general health
Be fluent in English

Participants may receive up to $75 for their time.

If you meet these criteria and would like more information, please call 866-6MGH-OCD.

Drexel University Study – Free Online Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Do you think you may have obsessive compulsive disorder? Drexel University is conducting a researchstudy that offers a free online treatment program for adults (ages 18-65) suffering from obsessivecompulsive disorder. This study compares two versions of exposure and ritual prevention for obsessivecompulsive disorders. The treatment consists of 16-18, twice-weekly 90 minute sessions with atherapist using a videoconferencing program called Skype. No medication is involved. All results areconfidential. To participate in this study, you must have the ability to speak and read fluent English.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.drexel.edu/psychology/research/labs/atrp/onlineocd/

Neural Correlates of Emotional Response Inhibition in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The Mount Sinai Center of Excellence for OCD and Related Disorders is recruiting participants 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study.

Participation in this study requires one three-hour visit to the Mount Sinai Medical Center for a clinical evaluation and a separate 60-minute MRI scan, which patients will receive at no charge.

Inclusion criteria for the study include:

Age 18 years or older
Current DSM-IV diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Exclusion criteria for the study include:

Severe medical or neurological illness;
Presence of any type of metal in the body that cannot be removed (e.g., braces);
Claustrophobia or anxiety that precludes being in the scanner for one hour;
Visual disturbance of sufficient severity as to impair performance while in the scanner without glasses.

You will receive $170 for your participation in this study.
For further information, please contact Elisabeth Cordell at 212-659-8823 or email centerforOCD@gmail.com

Genetic Studies of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The Program for Genetics and Epidemiology of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco is conducting a study to learn more about the relationship between the symptoms of OCD and genetics in people with OCD and their family members.

Participation involves:

Filling out questionnaires
2 to 3 hours for a clinical interview
Blood draw for genetic analysis
Payment up to $30

Inclusion criteria:

Having OCD beginning before age 18

Exclusion criteria:

Diagnosis of the following: Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Presence of Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, or Tourette’s Syndrome

We are also recruiting individuals without OCD and their family members.

If you would like to learn more about this study, please contact Shiva Fekri at 415. 476.7732
We look forward to hearing from you!

Neural Correlates of Compulsive Hoarding

Researchers at The University of California, San Francisco are conducting a study to learn more about people with severe hoarding behaviors and their family members.

Participation involves:

5-10 hours of patient time, over 2 to 3 visits
Payment up to $200

Inclusion criteria:

18 years old or older
Have severe compulsive hoarding symptoms
Have at least one blood degree relative available to participate

Exclusion criteria:

Diagnosis of the following: Schizophrenia, Mental Retardation, Known Dementia or any acute condition known to effect executive functioning
No living blood relatives

We are also recruiting individuals with non-hoarding OCD and their blood relatives.
If you would like to learn more about this study, please contact Shiva Fekri at 415.476.7732 We look forward to hearing from you!

Neuroimaging of Olfaction in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Do you have contamination-type OCD?

We are investigating the neurocircuitry of basic sensory processing in individuals with contamination-type OCD by examining olfaction during fMRI. Ten people with OCD will be compared to ten matched healthy controls on select measures of emotion, personality and disgust sensitivity, as well as presentation of pleasant and unpleasant smells. Understanding the neural underpinnings of basic sensory deficits in OCD will lead to the development of more effective methods of recognition and treatment for this disorder.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 50, right-handed, and in good physical health. Individuals must also have no impairments to their sense of smell, must be able to undergo a one- hour fMRI scan (i.e., no pregnancy or claustrophobia), and have no current or history of neurological illness. Diagnoses of bipolar, psychotic or substance abuse disorders will also exclude individuals from participating. Individuals with OCD must have predominantly contamination concerns and must have a diagnosis of OCD with at least three months of stable symptoms.

You will receive $150 for your participation in this study.

If you are interested, please contact James Fisher at (212) 241-3154 or at james.fisher@mssm.edu.

How much do you care? Self-compassion in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Help us as we examine the relationships between self-compassion and values in OCD.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2ZVJVNC

Help us as we examine the relationships between self-compassion, mood, and response styles in OCD.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PYHKNM2

Click on either link (or enter it into your web browser) to do the survey. If you are over 18 years of age and have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, you may participate.

Participation is completely anonymous. Your information will never be sold or shared and is only for research purposes.

Imaging Genetics Study of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

We are conducting a research study to identify biochemical changes and genetic variations associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By combining brain imaging and genetics, the study will provide new information about the causes of OCD that may lead to improvements in its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This is a collaborative study being conducted at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Hospital for Sick Children and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Your child must be between the ages of 6-19 and have a diagnosis of OCD. If he/she is eligible to participate in this study, he/she will participate in an assessment interview, a small saliva collection and/ or a small blood draw, and an MRI scan. A parent is required to participate. We are, also seeking healthy controls as research participants. Monetary compensation is provided to those who complete the study.

If you are interested or have any questions, please email Shannon Harbin at smharbin@med.umich.edu.

Are you having trouble finding treatment for your child or teenager with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

We are conducting a research study to examine how well intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered over 5 days works in reducing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms in children and adolescents. Past research has found that CBT is helpful for as many as 85% of children with OCD. However, many people do not have access to CBT – therefore, brief intensive CBT may be a way to make treatment available to more children. Treatment will focus on teaching parents and children how to treat OCD symptoms

together. To participate in this study you and your child must travel to one of three sites: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; University of South Florida in Tampa, FL; or Fordham University in Bronx, NY. Your child must be between the ages of 7 and17 and have problematic OCD symptoms. If he/she is eligible to participate in this study, he/she will receive intensive treatment after a 4-week waiting period. This study will involve 10 50-minute sessions of CBT over one week and 4 evaluations of varying lengths before and after treatment.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact:

Mayo Clinic Dr. Stephen Whiteside (507) 293-0089 whiteside.stephen@mayo.edu
USF Dr. Eric Storch (727) 767-8230 estorch@health.usf.edu
Fordham Dr. Dean McKay (718) 817-4498 mckay@fordham.edu

Neuroimaging and OCD Study

The University of Kansas Hoglund Brain Imaging Center and the Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment are seeking individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for a study examining brain activation during a cognitive test in OCD

Eligibility: You may be eligible if you are 18-50 years old and have obsessive-compulsive symptoms. What is involved: Completion of questionnaires assessing psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, diagnostic interview, cognitive tests, and fMRI scan. Two sessions: 1) initial assessment to determine eligibility and 2) study session, which will include the fMRI scan and additional cognitive tests.

Remuneration of $75 will be offered for completion of the fMRI scan. You may also receive a black and white printed picture of your brain obtained by MRI.

It is important to note that the information gathered in the study is obtained solely for research purposes, and is not meant as a clinical evaluation or treatment for any disorder or symptom.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the study please contact: Christy Olson at (913) 649-8820 ext 4 or colson2@kumc.edu

Hoarding Study in Washington D.C.

Do you COLLECT, CLUTTER and SAVE in excess? Are you unable to use living space for what it is intended, and experience impairment in family relations and social life? The George Washington University School of Education is conducting a study on the nature of compulsive hoarding and understanding how people deal with stressful situations. The study is open to adults aged 18 and over. Participants must live within a 45 minute radius of Northern Virginia.

Participation includes:

answer a few screening questions
one time meeting of 45 minutes to an hour to complete surveys
receive a lottery ticket for participation

For more information, please email Irene Miranda at imiranda@gwmail.gwu.edu or call (571) 276-3859.

Association-Splitting: A web-based study on a novel technique targeting obsessions

Are you suffering from obsessions and would like to try out a new technique against obsessive thoughts? If so, you may have the opportunity to participate in an online study evaluating a new promising technique, which is called “association splitting”. Each participant will receive a pdf-file of the self-help manual free of charge. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the technique, however, only have of the participants will receive the manual shortly after filling out a survey regarding their symptoms. The other half receives the manual after a period of four weeks right after filling out a second survey. Groups (manual right away or after 4 weeks) are allocated at random.

We would appreciate if you support our study. For further information and study participation, please use the following link: http://www.unipark.de/uc/hh_uni_psych_inst_LJ/3581/

In case of questions please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Lena Jelinek or Prof. Dr. Steffen Moritz via email: neuropsychology@gmx.de.

University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Dep. for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Hamburg (Germany)

Videophone CBT for Children & Adolescents with OCD

Based on our promising findings, the University of South Florida OCD program is conducting a research study to examine what factors predict treatment outcome to cognitive-behavioral therapy that is delivered via videophone. We are recruiting a group of children and adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Our past research has found that as many as 80% of kids who received this type of CBT received some benefit. However, we want to know for whom this treatment is most appropriate because videophone-administered CBT may be a way to make treatment more convenient and affordable (less travel costs) and less time-consuming.

Your child must be between the ages of 7-17 and have problematic OCD symptoms to be able to participate in this study. You will have to travel to our facility for the initial evaluation (we cannot cover these costs); however, study treatment and evaluations will be provided at no charge. If he/she is eligible to participate in this study, he/she will either receive 14 90-minute sessions of videophone-CBT (twice a week for the first 4 sessions) and 3 psychiatric evaluations of varying lengths.

If you are interested or have questions, please call Dr. Eric Storch at (727) 767-8230 or email him at estorch@health.usf.edu.

Quality of Life in Adults with OCD

Have you been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder? Are you between the ages of 18 and 70? If so, we would like to invite you to participate in a survey looking at quality of life in adults with OCD, and the different reasons quality of life might be affected by having OCD. We would love to hear your thoughts about the way OCD has been getting in the way of the life you would like to lead.

The survey can be accessed here: http://hsccm2.hsc.usf.edu/checkbox/Survey.aspx?surveyid=4690

If you have questions, you can contact Jessica Morgan at the University of South Florida at jmorgan1@health.usf.edu or 727-767-8393.

How does the sibling relationship impact Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with the quality of the sibling relationship and how that relationship impacts a child with OCD. We are hoping to discover how the sibling relationship can benefit a child with OCD. We are examining this relationship – via parent-reports - in up to 150 youth with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. To participate, your child must be between 6 and 17 years of age and have OCD. In addition, you must be your child’s parent or legal guardian and the child must have interaction with at least one of their siblings.

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your children’s behaviors, your child's symptoms related to OCD, and the relationship between that child and the rest of the family, as well as his/her overall quality of life. If you are interested in participating, please follow the link below to begin: http://hsccm2.hsc.usf.edu/checkbox/Survey.aspx?surveyid=4656

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Personality Features

Principal Investigator: Anthony Pinto, Ph.D.
NYSPI IRB Protocol #: 5979

Is perfectionism causing problems for you?
Do others complain about your rigidity?
Do you worry too much about order and details?
Do you find it difficult to relax and enjoy free time?
Are you constantly trying to control things?
Do you plan out every minute of your day?

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center/NYSPI in Manhattan are seeking participants (age 18-60) in the NY metro area with several of these features for a study designed to learn more about the obsessive compulsive personality style and ways of thinking, and how these features affect life functioning. Participants will receive a confidential evaluation at no cost and payment upon completion of an interview, questionnaires, and computer tasks.

For more information, contact Jordan at #212-543-5938.

Anxiety Studies Participant Pool

UW Anxiety Studies researchers are currently seeking volunteers for our Anxiety Studies Participant Pool. You may be eligible if you experience any of the following: Recurrent thoughts or images that are unwanted, distasteful, inappropriate, intrusive or distressing, such as:

The idea that you were dirty, contaminated or had germs
Doubting that you turned appliances off or locked doors properly
Fearing that you would act on some impulse
Obsessions with sexual thoughts, images, or impulses
The need to do something repeatedly without being able to resist doing it, like washing, cleaning, checking or counting
The need to do things in a certain way even if another way would be more efficient
The need to keep things you don’t need

Diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Participants who are eligible for the Pool (as determined by a 15-minute confidential phone interview) will be asked to complete:

An in-person interview about symptoms of anxiety, depression, drug/alcohol use, unusual experiences and physical sensations (30-60 minutes)
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms, mood, social experiences, thoughts about self, concentration and habits (45-60 minutes)

Participants will receive $40.00 in appreciation of their time.

Confidential inquiries can be made through the Anxiety Studies Division:
http://anxietystudies.uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, x35920
anxiety@uwaterloo.ca

Appearance Concerns Treatment Research Study

Do you dislike the way any part(s) of your body (for example, your skin, hair, nose, eyes) look?
Do you think about your appearance for more than one hour per day?
Do you worry that your muscles are not big enough, or do you spend a lot of time lifting weights to enhance your muscles?
Do you engage in any behaviors intended to check on, hide, or fix your appearance (for example, mirror checking, comparing yourself to others, excessive grooming behaviors)?
Or do you avoid any places, people or activities because of your appearance concerns (for example, do you avoid bright lights, mirrors, dating, or parties)?
Do your appearance-related thoughts or behaviors cause you a lot of anxiety, sadness, or shame?
Do you have problems with your work, school, family, or friends because of your appearance concerns?

If you answered any of these questions with "yes", you might be eligible to participate in a study at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). If you qualify, you will receive the following:

Diagnostic Evaluation at no cost
Medication Treatment at no cost

You will also be asked to fill out some questionnaires assessing body image symptoms, anxiety and mood. The treatment will be at no cost for you.

If you are interested in participating or would like to get further information, please call the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic at 1-877-4MGH-BDD at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), or email BDD@partners.org. Please visit our website at www.mghocd.org/bdd.

Investigating How OCD Works in the Brain

Would you be interested in helping us learn more about how OCD works in the brain? The OCD Research Clinic at the Columbia University Medical Center is conducting studies using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), measurement of the startle response, and manual and computer-based tests to learn more about the neurobiology of OCD. If you are over 18 and have OCD, you might be eligible for one or more of our current studies. For each study you choose to participate in, you will be compensated for your time. To schedule a confidential screening, contact: Jose Hernandez #212-543-5367 or Liane Hunter #212 543-5380, or visit our website at http://www.columbia-ocd.org.

Paliperidone Study for Adults with OCD

Have you been diagnosed with a problem called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and not responded to past medication or counseling treatment? If so, you may be eligible for a study examining if adding a medication called Paliperidone helps reduce your OCD symptoms. The Department of Psychiatry at IU School of Medicine is conducting this study.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and have problematic OCD symptoms despite having tried at least two OCD medications. If you participate in this study, you will be randomly assigned, that is by chance as in the "flip of a coin," to receive either the study medication (Paliperidone) or a sugar pill in addition to the medication you are currently taking. There will also be seven psychiatric evaluations that take place. Study medication and the evaluations will be provided at no charge. Financial compensation is available for qualified participants. Risks associated with the study will be disclosed prior to study participation.

For more information call (317) 948-0038
Posted: February 23, 2010

Does your child have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Researchers at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research- North Shore/ Long Island Jewish Hospital are investigating the neurobiology and genetics of OCD to improve treatment methods and identify biomarkers for this disorder. This study does not provide treatment.

To participate, a child must be:

between the ages of 8-17

The study involves diagnostic interviews with both the child and one parent, some clinical measures, neuropsychological testing, an MRI exam, and an optional DNA component done through saliva collection. MRI is a safe, non-invasive neuroimaging technique (with no risk of ionizing radiation) that allows us to learn more about brain structure and function. There is no cost to you and your child will be compensated for his or her time. Participation can generally be completed in two testing sessions and scheduling is very flexible. Participants will receive up to $270 compensation.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact:

Patricia Gruner, Ph.D.

Psychiatry Research
The Zucker Hillside Hospital
75-59 263rd Street
Glen Oaks, NY 11004
Tel (718) 470-8609
Fax (718) 343-1659
pgruner@nshs.edu

Do you have a child diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or who displays OCD symptoms?

We are looking for parents to participate in a study examining treatment history of OCD. Your responses may help in improving treatment and access to qualified professionals who can provide effective treatments to children with OCD. This is a completely anonymous survey. Please click the link below to participate in the study.

Click Here to take survey

Posted: November 10, 2009

Concerned with your appearance?

Do you dislike the way any part(s) of your body look? Do you think about your appearance for more than 1 hour per day? Do you engage in behaviors to try to hide, fix, or check your appearance? Do your appearance concerns cause you anxiety, shame or sadness? Do these concerns cause problems for you with school, your family or your friends? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions and live in the Boston area, we may be able to help. Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a no-cost clinical trial with children and adolescents (ages 10 to 17 years) who are worried about how they look. Those qualified will receive a diagnostic evaluation and psychological treatment (CBT) at no cost. If you are interested in the possibility of an evaluation and participation in the research study , please contact Martha Falkenstein at The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital. Call (617) 643-6204 or email bdd@partners.org.

Posted: October 15, 2009

Children and Adolescents who are Pack Rats: An Exploratory Study to Examine Compulsive Hoarding in Children and Adolescents

The aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of the onset and the clinical features of compulsive hoarding in children and adolescents. According to the limited research available on compulsive hoarding, onset of compulsive hoarding begins in childhood, and hoarding behaviors become more severe with age. Treatment with adults has demonstrated that compulsive hoarding is more resistant to traditional interventions such as medication and exposure and response prevention therapy. Very little is currently known about children and adolescents who struggle with this condition. Therefore, we are currently conducting a cross-sectional research stu dy for information that will build our knowledge base to improve intervention strategies.

Your child must be between the ages of 8-18 and have some symptoms of obsessive compulsive behaviors with hoarding. All participants will be administered a screening instrument to determine eligibility. Both the child/adolescent and one parent must be willing to participate in telephone interviews.

If eligible, participants will participate in data collection through telephone survey. The participating parent will be interviewed first by phone. Parents will complete a demographic questionnaire, an inventory, and a timeline about their child/adolescent"s behaviors. Children/adolescents will complete two inventories about their obsessive compulsive and hoarding behaviors. It is expected that the parent and child/adolescent interviews will take approximately 20-30 minutes each. Participant families will be compensated with a $20 gift card to WalMart.

To participate in this study or for further information, please contact David Dia, PhD, LCSW, CCBT at the University of Tennessee at (901) 448-4431, or email him at ddia@utk.edu. This study is approved by the University IRB.

Posted: October 14, 2009

Has Anyone Ever Called You a Packrat?

Have people ever commented about the amount of clutter in your home?
Is your home so cluttered that you have trouble using your rooms or furniture?
Do you have difficulty throwing things away, even when you don"t need them?

The Boston University School of Social Work is conducting a study on the nature of compulsive hoarding. The study is open to adults aged 18 and over who meetstudy criteria. Participants must live within a 45 minute radius of Boston, Massachusetts.

For more information, please email Gabe Gruner at ggruner@bu.edu or call (617) 353-9125.

Posted: October 2, 2009

Have you been diagnosed with severe OCD?

If the answer is yes and you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be eligible to participate in a new NIMH-sponsored study. We are looking for both participants who may be interested in considering a neurosurgical treatment for OCD, as well as those who may be interested in participating in an adjunct study (without surgery) examining the relationship between the brain and behavior in OCD.

If you would like more information about neurosurgical treatment for OCD, please contact either Rich Marsland, RN at (401) 455-6211 or rmarsland@butler.org or Jennifer Bernier, BA at (401) 455-6366 or jabernier@butler.org. If you are interested in the non-surgical adjunct study, please contact Jennifer Bernier, BA at (401) 455-6366 or jabernier@butler.org or Nicole C. McLaughlin, Ph.D. at (401) 455-6608 or nmclaughlin@butler.org.

Posted: September 16, 2009

Examining Specific and Core Beliefs in Body Dysmorphic and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

You are invited to participate in a study examining specific and core beliefs in adults (18 +) with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and controls. By investigating the specific and core beliefs in BDD and OCD, this will assist in developing more tailored and effective cognitive-behavioral treatments for these sometimes debilitating disorders. By participating in this study, you will get a free diagnostic test and will help us gain insight into the cognitive nature of BDD and OCD. Any adult (18 years or older) is welcome to participate, particularly individuals with BDD or OCD diagnoses. If interested in participating or for further information please call (516) 487-7116 and ask for Agnes. You can also email her at selinger@biobehavioralinstitute.com. This study is being held at the Bio-Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, NY.

Posted: September 9, 2009

Does your child or teenager have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

The Rothman Center of Pediatric Neuropsychiatry is recruiting subjects to participate in a study designed to monitor and assess the relationship of dosing strategies of sertraline to behavioral side effects such as increased activity level or worsening mood. If you participate, your child will receive either study medication or a pill placebo. All participants will receive 14 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy. To participate, your child must be 7-17 years of age and have obsessive-compulsive disorder. All research procedures will be provided free of charge.

If you are interested or have questions, please call Jeannette Reid at (727) 767-8230 or email at rothmanctr@health.usf.edu.

Posted: September 9, 2009

African-Americans with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The University of Pennsylvania is conducting a study of African-Americans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Recent research shows that African-Americans with OCD are not getting the most effective treatments. If you have OCD, we want to learn more about what this has been like for you and if you have ever tried to get help for your symptoms.

Participants will receive a psychological evaluation, discussion of treatment options, and $100 in compensation. The evaluation will involve completing some questionnaires and an interview with a professional clinician. No physical exam is required (i.e., no shots, needles, x-rays, or pills). Call our office at 215-746-3327 for a confidential phone screening to determine if you are eligible, and ask for Samantha Farris. You can also visit our website at http://www.black.ocdproject.org.

Not sure if you have OCD? Call our center for a phone pre-screening. You may have OCD and not even know it!

PI: Monnica Williams, Ph.D.
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
3535 Market Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
IRB Approval: #810175

Posted: August 12, 2009

Assessment of Perceptual Distortions in Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Researchers:
Jose Yaryura-Tobias, M.D.
Fugen Neziroglu, Ph.D.
Bio-Behavioral Institute
935 Northern Blvd., Suite 102
Great Neck, NY 11021

Researchers have hypothesized that many psychiatric disorders may affect individuals" perception. This notion has important implications for disorder etiology, maintenance, and treatment. Therefore, we are currently conducting a research study examining and comparing the visual perceptions of individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to individuals without a psychiatric diagnosis.

Interested participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this study. All participants will initially take part in a clinical interview to assess if they meet the study"s guidelines. Individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder or a substance use disorder will be excluded.

If eligible, participants will then have two photographs taken of themselves. Participants will then complete a computer program, which will be comparing a variety of images, including the above-mentioned photographs. Upon completing the computer program, participants will be asked to fill out a series of questionnaires. All identities and responses will be kept strictly confidential. It is expected that the study will take about 4 to 6 hours to complete. Participants will be given a break and compensated with $10.00 for lunch.

To participate in the study or for further information, please contact Melanie Santos at the Bio-Behavioral Institute at (516) 487-7116.

Posted: July 2, 2009

Study of Procedural Learning in OCD

The performance of patients with OCD symptoms while on either no medications or a stable medication regimen over time will be compared with a control group and with a group with major depression or other mood/anxiety disorders. We believe this will allow us to assess both the deficit, if any, of OCD participants in striatum-dependent procedural memory and how this deficit is or is not ameliorated by symptom reduction under standard pharmacotherapy.

Upon entry into the study and prior to initiation of pharmacotherapy, a thorough history will be taken, and a medical evaluation will be performed. Subjects will be evaluated by a combination of standardized measures, semi-structured diagnostic interviews, and standard methods of intelligence testing. Subjects will complete two baseline computer-based stratum-dependent learning tasks and some explicit learning evaluations. The baseline evaluations and intake screening take about 5-6 hours. As the study progresses, these tasks and some measures will be repeated and take approximately one additional hour each time.

Most patients who participate in this study do so as outpatients and the study requires them to come to our clinic in New Haven. There is some financial compensation for participating.

Anyone interested in more information should contact our nurse manager, Suzanne Wasylink, at (203) 974-7523.

Posted: June 10, 2009

Study of N-acetylcysteine augmentation in treatment-refractory OCD

While established medication strategies and therapy techniques can help many people with OCD, a substantial percentage still has severe symptoms despite good treatment. Drs. Christopher Pittenger and Vladimir Coric, at the Yale OCD Research Clinic in New Haven, CT, are studying new medications in an effort to better help these patients. The neurotransmitter glutamate is thought to be out of balance in patients with OCD, and we are focusing on medications that aim to modulate this imbalance.

N-acetylcysteine (also called NAC) is a nutritional supplement that can modulate levels of glutamate in the brain. We have seen a few patients' symptoms improve when NAC is added to their medication regimen. We are now examining whether NAC augmentation is useful in a larger, placebo-controlled medication trial. We are seeking people with a diagnosis of OCD, aged 18-65, who still have significant symptoms despite adequate treatment with a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or clomipramine (Anafranil).

Patients will have a thorough evaluation and receive free treatment for 14 weeks, during which they will receive either NAC or a placebo (a sugar pill). Patients who receive placebo during the trial will be given the chance to try NAC after the 12-week study, so that all subjects will have the opportunity to try this medication if they want to.

Most patients who participate in this study do so as outpatients; the study requires them to come to New Haven once a week for about an hour. We have a limited number of inpatient beds, which allow us to enroll patients from out of town; however, there is often a wait for one of these beds.

Anyone interested in more information should contact our nurse manager, Suzanne Wasylink, at 203-974-7523.

Posted: May 19, 2009

Interested in the latest treatments?

A Study of Riluzole Augmentation in Treatment-Refractory OCD

While established medication strategies and therapy techniques can help many people with OCD, a substantial percentage still has severe symptoms despite good treatment. Drs. Christopher Pittenger and Vladimir Coric, at the Yale OCD Research Clini c in New Haven, CT, are studying new medications in an effort to better help these patients. The neurotransmitter glutamate is thought to be out of balance in patients with OCD, and we are focusing on medications that aim to modulate this imbalance.

We have for the past few years been treating refractory patients with the glutamate-modulating medication riluzole (Rilutektm, sold by Sanofi-Aventis). Our early results have been promising. We are now conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of riluzole augmentation in OCD. We are seeking people with a diagnosis of OCD, aged 18-65, who still have significant symptoms despite adequate treatment with a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or clomipramine (Anafranil).

Patients will have a thorough evaluation and receive free treatment for 14 weeks, during which they will receive either riluzole or a placebo (a sugar pill). Patients who receive placebo during the trial will be given the chance to try riluzole after the 14-week study, so that all subjects will have the opportunity to try this medication if they want to.

Anyone interested in more information should contact our nurse manager, Suzanne Wasylink, at 203-974-7523.

Posted: May 19, 2009

Tell us about your rituals! A Web-Based Study from Washington University in St. Louis

We are asking you to describe in as much detail as possible the various rituals and routines that are part of your OCD symptoms. These may consist in mental routines (counting, adding), in special ways of washing oneself or cleaning objects, in hoarding objects, checking locks and car doors, etc. Although there are many clinical studies of OCD symptoms, the description of people's rituals is often very vague. It is important for researchers to understand exactly how these rituals are organized. All this information is treated as anonymous confidential.

If you are interested in helping with this, all you have to do is answer a short questionnaire on the web, at this address: http://artsci.wustl.edu/~pboyer/RitualQuestForm.html

For further information, you can contact Dr. Pascal Boyer at pboyer@wustl.edu.

P Boyer, Dept of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis

Posted: May 7, 2009

Neuroimaging Study of OCD at Stanford, California

We are seeking subjects with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to participate in a research study of brain activity in OCD. The study is at Stanford University Medical Center and pays $50 for a single MRI of the brain.

Eligibility:
----Right handed men and women ages 18-65 years old
----Have OCD predominantly with contamination / washing concerns
----Free of psychiatric medications, except for anti-depressants
----No history of neurological disorders (i.e. seizure, head trauma)
----No implanted metal in your body or tattoos near your head

If you are interested in participating in this study, please call Dr. White at (650) 725-5598 or email mpwhite@stanford.edu. All calls are confidential. For general information regarding rights of research participants at Stanford , please call (650) 723-2641 or toll-free 1-866-680-2906. Thank you.

Posted: March 31, 2009

Do You or Does Your Child Have OCD?

Open-Label Exploratory Investigation of D-Cycloserine Augmentation to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention for Adults and Adolescents Diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - A Feasibility Study
Principal Investigators: Moira Rynn, M.D.; Blair Simpson, M.D., Ph.D.
NYSPI IRB Protocol: #5828
Diagnostic Groups: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Age Range: 12-65 (inclusive)
Gender: Male and Female
Language Requirements: English-speaking only
Inclusion Criteria:

Able to understand and follow study procedures
Adolescents and adults ages of 12-65 who are in good physical health
All sexually active participants of childbearing potential who are using a medically acceptable form of birth control
- If receiving SRI medication, participants should already be on it for at least 12 weeks
- If receiving other psychotropic medication, participants should already be on it for at least 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

Medical conditions that would conflict with participation
Psychiatric disorders or symptoms that would conflict with participation
Receiving psychotherapy
Females who are pregnant or nursing, or who plan to become pregnant

Brief Summary of Study Procedures:
The purpose of this research study is to see if a medication called D-Cycloserine (DCS) is safe and helpful to enhance the outcome of cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (E/RP therapy) for adolescents and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The study will last up to 7 weeks, and will consist of a screening period of up to two weeks and a treatment period of up to 5 weeks that consists of twice weekly 60-minute E/RP sessions. Patients may receive up to 50 mg of DCS after some of the E/RP sessions.
Study Recruitment Ending Date: Ongoing
Contact Information: Telephone: (212) 543-0266

New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) at 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032

Posted: February 25, 2009

Screening Tools for Early Detection of Anxiety Disorders

Are you the parent of a 6-8 year old who has been diagnosed with OCD? If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study at the Infant Cognition Lab at UMass Boston. We are investigating the visual and cognitive processes of children with and without OCD as well as children at risk for OCD.

If you decide to take part in this study, your child will watch short cartoons on a computer screen while we monitor what your child pays attention to. Afterwards, we ask that you fill out a few questionnaires. The entire study will only take about 45-60 minutes and we are offering $25 and a small gift for your child as a thank you for your time.

For more information about this research study , please contact Uchenna Eneh at the Infant Cognition Lab at (617) 287-6363.

Posted: January 27, 2009

Trial of Paliperidone Addition in SRI-Resistant OCD

Have you been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and not responded to past medication or counseling treatment? If so, you may be eligible for a study at the University of South Florida examining if adding a medication called Paliperidone helps reduce your OCD symptoms.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and have problematic OCD symptoms despite having tried at least two OCD medications. If you participate in this study, you will be randomly assigned, that is by chance as in the "flip of a coin," to receive either the study medication (Paliperidone) or a sugar pill in addition to the medication you are currently taking. There will also be eight psychiatric evaluations that take place. Study medication and the evaluations will be provided at no charge. Participants will al so receive financial compensation for their time.

If interested, please call Dr. Jane Mutch at (727) 767-8230 or email rothmanctr@health.usf.edu.

Posted: December 3, 2008

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Genetics Study

Six academic institutions across the U.S. have joined together to examine the relationship between genetics and OCD. Recent advances in molecular biology and statistical genetics make it possible to identify and describe specific genes involved in complex illnesses such as OCD.

If you have been diagnosed with OCD, and have two living parents who may be available to participate in the study, you may be eligible. Participation includes a confidential interview for you, and a blood sample from you and your parents. The interview and blood draw will be scheduled at a time and location convenient for you. Compensation is available.

Your Help Counts!!

Contact information for all sites is provided below; if you are unsure of the closest participating site, please contact Johns Hopkins University.

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD): Krista Vermillion, at (410) 923-2918, or kvermil1@jhmi.edu.
Brown Medical School (Providence, RI): Nicole C. McLaughlin, PhD, at (401) 455-6608, or nmclaughlin@butler.org.
Columbia University (New York, NY): Katie Buchholz, at (212) 543-5364, or cuocgas@gmail.com.
UCLA (Los Angeles, CA): Mina Yadegar, at (310) 206-1350 or myadegar@mednet.ucla.edu.
Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA): Elizabeth Mancuso, at eamancuso@partners.org.

Posted: November 6, 2008

Study on Sensory Symptoms in Tourette Syndrome

Dr. Neal Swerdlow is trying to understand the neurological basis for Tourette symptoms. Participants will take part in a research study that examines blink responses to sound. Participants will come in one time to the lab for approximately 3 hours. A psychiatric evaluation is performed; personality questionnaires are asked. Participants need to answer a few questions to set up an appointment. Parents of participants under the age of 18 need to call and answer a few questions about their child to set up an appointment.

We are looking for males and females between the ages of 10 and 65 with a primary diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome. Participants can receive up to $40 for their time.

For more information contact:

Ashley Sutherland Owens
UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest
San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 543-7840
Email: ansutherland@ucsd.edu

Posted: October 23, 2008

Study Exploring Nutritionally-Based Interventions for Non-Medicated Children with OCD

We are conducting a research study exploring the use of omega-3 fatty acids and/or B vitamins in children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is exciting research that may lead to a better understanding of nutritionally-based interventions for children who are affected by OCD. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

Participation criteria includes the following:

Children between the ages of 6 and 17 years old
Primary diagnosis of OCD
Not currently, or within the past three months, on an SSRI or other medication for OCD
Not currently, or within the past three months, taking complementary or alternative substances for OCD, such as inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, 5-HTP, Valerian root, B vitamins, etc.
Willingness to remain medication-free for the duration of the study (1-2 months)
Willingness to not start, change, or discontinue current form of therapy
Ability to swallow large 1" capsules

Exclusions:

Known allergies to fish or shellfish
Individuals on blood thinning medication

If your child meets the eligibility criteria and is interested in participating in this research, please notify Lisa M. Bordeleau, Principal Investigator, at n3ocdresearch@aol.com. Also, feel free to contact Ms. Bordeleau if you have any questions about the study.

Posted: October 2, 2008

Does Your Child Need to Do Things Over and Over Again?

Does he or she have recurrent and bothersome thoughts or images? Does your child repeatedly check or arrange things, have to wash his/her hands repeatedly, or maintain a particular order? Do unpleasant thoughts repeatedly enter your child's mind such as concerns with germs or dirt or needing to arrange things just so?

If this sounds familiar, your child may have a treatable problem called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Past research has found that a form of cognitive therapy, called Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, is helpful in as many as 85% of children with OCD. We are interested in determining if adding a medication called D-Cycloserine improves the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy in children with OCD.

You must be between the ages of 8 and 17 years old to be eligible for this study. If you are eligible, you will be randomly assigned, that is by chance as in the "flip of a coin," to receive either the study medication (D-Cycloserine) or a sugar pill in addition to being seen in therapy. The therapy will be held weekly (90 minutes each session) for 8 weeks. There will also be 3 psychiatric evaluations that take place. Study medication, treatment, laboratory tests, and the evaluations will be provided at nocharge. Participants will also receive financial compensation for their time. If interested, please call Dr. Eric Storch of the University of South Florida at (727) 767-8230.

Posted: September 25, 2008

Online Survey on the Sleep Habits of Children

Surprisingly little is known about the typical sleep habits of children, although it has been shown that disturbed sleep behavior may exacerbate already existing problems in children. Dr. Richard Frye at the Health Science Center at Houston is inviting parents and caregivers of children to complete an online survey about their child's sleep habits. Parents are welcome to complete the survey for each child, whether or not the child has a diagnosis, and all diagnoses are welcome. This survey will help us better understand typical sleep behavior in children, and the information gathered will be invaluable in helping diagnose sleep disorders in children, and guide parents in regards to normal childhood sleep behavior.

The survey can be found here: http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?B195F9E1B2F3EDE3

If you have any questions, please contact Laura deSouza at Laura.deSouza@uth.tmc.edu or (713) 500-3236.

Posted: August 8, 2008

Maximizing Treatment Outcome in OCD

Principal Investigator: Dr. H. Blair Simpson (Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute)/ Dr. Edna Foa (University of Pennsylvania)

To schedule a confidential screening, contact:

New York Metropolitan area: Dr. James Bender Jr. (212) 543-5462 or Liane Hunter (212) 543-5380.

Philadelphia: Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (215) 746-3327

Overview of Study:

This study compares the effectiveness of two proven treatment strategies for OCD patients who are currently on a serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication (SRI, i.e., clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram) but still have residual symptoms. Participants remain on their current medication and receive either cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) consisting of exposure and ritual prevention or an additional medication (risperidone).

The goal of the study is to compare risperidone against cognitive-behavioral therapy as add-on treatments, each of which has been found effective in prior studies. All treatment is at no charge. Note: Patients who do not improve after 8.5 weeks of treatment will be offered at no-cost the treatment they did not initially receive (either the therapy or the add-on medication).

Key Eligibility Criteria:

18-70 years; both genders

Key Inclusion Criteria:

OCD is the primary problem
On a stable dose of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication

Key Exclusion Criteria:

Medical or psychiatric conditions that would make study participation hazardous
Patients who have already had an adequate trial of these augmentation strategies while on a serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Who is this study for?

OCD patients on medications who still have bothersome symptoms and who have not previously received an adequate trial of these proven add-on strategies.

For more information about this study, please visit www.ocdproject.org

Posted: May 8, 2008

MRI Study of Repetitive Behaviors At The Pediatric Brain Imaging Lab at the New York State Psychiatric

Has your child been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? If so, and your child is between the ages of 4 and 13, you and your child may be eligible to participate in a 5-year researchstudy that uses MRI to learn more about repetitive behaviors in childhood. Participation in our study will include annual visits over a 5-year period. Each study visit will require 6-7 hours of your time and include interviews, games and puzzles, and an MRI to take pictures of your child"s brain.

This is not a treatment study. Children will receive compensation for their time. For more information please call 212-543-6072 or email MRISTUDY@childpsych.columbia.edu. All calls will be kept confidential.

Posted: April 28, 2008

OCD and Hoarding Neuroimaging and Neuropsychology Studies

The Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital is conducting studies of people with either obsessive compulsive disorder or compulsive hoarding including a neuroimaging (brain scan) study and a study examining problem solving abilities. Participants will receive $20 per hour. The studies are open to adults aged 18 to 65 who meet study criteria.

For more information please call (860) 545-7039 or email the Anxiety Disorders Center at adcresearch@harthosp.org

Posted: April 8, 2008

Neurobiology Of Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

Dr. Sanjaya Saxena, Director of the UCSD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Program, is conducting a research study to identify abnormalities of brain structure and brain function in individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Compulsive Hoarding, and to determine how brain function changes with effective treatment of these disorders. This study is sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. Study participants will receive:

Brain imaging, which is a way of taking pictures of brain structure and function through techniques called positron emission tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
12 weeks of free treatment with an FDAapproved medication (no placebos).
Neuropsychological testing, which includes testing of your attention, memory, thinking, and decision-making, before and after treatment.

To participate, you must either live in or near San Diego, or be able to travel easily to our center for all procedures and treatment appointments. Participants must meet the inclusion criteria for this study.

Individuals will be excluded from participation if they:

Are currently taking medications that affect brain function, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotics, etc.
Have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, autism, mental retardation, or an eating disorder.
Have a neurological disorder, such as epilepsy, Parkinson"s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or dementia.
Have a history of chronic alcohol or substance use.
Weigh over 280 pounds.

There is NO monetary compensation for this study. If interested, please contact Dr. Jennifer Sumner at 858-534-8056.

Posted: January 17, 2008

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Research Studiesfor Adults, Adolescents, and Children

Are you an adolescent or child who dislikes the way any part(s) of your body (for example, your skin, hair, nose, eyes) look?
Do you think about your appearance for more than one hour per day?
Do you engage in any behaviors intended to check on, hide, or fix your appearance (for example, mirror checking, comparing yourself to others, excessive grooming, skin picking, or clothes changing)?
Do you avoid any places, people or activities because of your appearance concerns (for example, do you avoid bright lights, mirrors, dating, or parties)?
Do you have problems with your school, family, or relationships because of your appearance concerns?
Do your appearance-related thoughts or behaviors cause you a lot of anxiety, sadness, or shame?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may qualify for a no-cost evaluation and to take part in a 12 week medication research study for children and adolescents (16 years old and younger) being conducted at the Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the Rhode Island Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, RI. The goal of the study is to find out if Fluoxetine is an effective treatment for pediatric body dysmorphic disorder. All eligible children and adolescents who enroll in the study will be placed on either Fluoxetine or a placebo. All study participants will be offered 12 weeks of treatment following the study at no cost to them.

After a brief telephone screening (parental approval will be obtained before speaking with the child), interested participants have an interview with a research study doctor. During the interview, they will receive a psychiatric and medical evaluation to find out if they are able to participate in the study. Depending on the outcome, they may or may not be enrolled.

If enrolled, there will be a physical examination at the beginning and end of the study. Lab tests, including blood and urine tests and an electrocardiogram (a test used to measure heartbeat irregularities) will be done at the beginning and end of the study. After the initial screening, all following evaluations will include recording vital signs/weight, side-effects and completing rating scales.

This study is being directed by Drs. Eric Hollander and Katharine Phillips who are internationally known for their expertise on the treatment of BDD.

Participants will be paid for their time and study medication will be provided at no cost.

If you are interested in participating in this study, live within 1-1.5 hours driving distance of New York City and would likefurther information, please contact:

Casara Ferretti
The Compulsive, Impulsive, and Autism Spectrum Disorders Program
Montefiore Medical Center University Hospital for The Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, NY 10467-2490
Phone: (718) 696-3036
Email: cferrett@montefiore.org

If you are interested in participating in this study, live within 1-1.5 hours driving distance of Providence, RI, and would like
further information, please contact:

Martha Niemiec
The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Program
Rhode Island Hospital, Coro Center West
One Hoppin St.
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 444-1644
Email: bdd@lifespan.org

Posted: Jan 5, 2011

Does Your Teenager Have An Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Signs of obsessive compulsive disorder include:

Having unwanted ideas, impulses or images that run through their mind over and over again that could make them feel nervous and afraid.
Doing certain behaviours over and over again to get rid of the fear or thoughts that are making him or her uncomfortable.

We all have habits and routines in our daily lives. However, people with OCD have patterns or routines that significantly get in the way of their daily lives.

If your child's day to day life is affected by these symbtoms, OCD may be the cause. New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University is looking for research volunteers (age of 12 to 17) to help find possible treatments for adolescents suffering from OCD. Your child may be eligible for a research study, which may include a clinical evaluation, medical tests, physical exam and research medication. These services are provided at no cost to you.

For more information, please call Moira Rynn, M.D. at (212) 543-4506.

Posted: September 18, 2007

Family Genetic Study of Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Weare conducting a research study that focuses on families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We are looking for common behavioral traits, such as attentional difficulties and impulsivity, which may be shared by these conditions. If found, we want to determine whether these traits are heritable, that is, can be passed down from parents to children. We hope that the information we learn will eventually help researchers to develop better treatments for these conditions.

We are enrolling families in which there is at least one child between 6 to 21 years old who has TS, ADHD and/or OCD, or any combination of these conditions. We would like the whole family (both parents, brothers and sisters) to participate. Subjects will complete interviews, questionnaires and assessments examining areas such as attention, impulsivity, problem-solving, visual-spatial skills and sensory sensitivity. We will also collect a blood or saliva sample for DNA testing. Study participation is strictly voluntary and may require 3-6 hours per person for the completion of all study tasks. Study visits can be at MGH or in your own home. Families coming to MGH will have parking and meal expenses paid for them. Upon completion of all study tasks, families will be paid $100 for their participation.

If your family meets these criteria and you are interested in learning more about this study, please call the Genetic Family Study at 1-800-471-2730, option 2 or email cillmann@partners.org. Please visit our website at www.ts-adhd-ocd.org.

Posted: August 14, 2007

Research Survey About Repetitive Behaviors in Children With OCD

Help us understand more about the repetitive behaviors exhibited by children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)!

The University of Alabama Psychology Department is beginning a new study of repetitive behaviors in children and adolescents with OCD as part of a graduate student dissertation. We are interested in families with children between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age. This study examines repetitive behaviors, social interactions, and fears or worries in children with OCD and will provide valuable information for future research and clinical interventions with families of children with OCD. For example, the results from this project may be applied to developing individual and group interventions for children and adolescents with OCD.

Participation involves completing a 30-minute telephone interview and then filling out an internet-based survey regarding your child"s behavior, which will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. You will receive an ID number and password for the internet-based survey and may complete it at your convenience. Once you have completed the survey, you will receive a $5 gift certificate to a major bookstore in your area as a thank you for your time.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Michelle DeRamus, a graduate student supervised by Dr. Laura Klinger, at (205) 348-9312 or by email at repetitivebehaviors@gmail.com for more information.

Posted: August 14, 2007

OCD, BDD, Hoarding Study

The UCSD Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Program is looking for people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and Compulsive Hoarding to take part in a study that is providing:

12 weeks free medication treatment
Brain imaging scans (PET & MRI)
Diagnostic Evaluation
Neuropsychological Evaluation

For more information call Dr. Jennifer Sumner at (858) 534-8056

Posted: August 14, 2007

Study of Perception in BDD and OCD

Dr. Fugen Neziroglu and Dr. Yaryura-Tobias at the Bio-Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, NY are studying differences in perception between people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and healthy controls, especially with regard to appearance related perception. Greater understanding of perception in these populations could aid in designing therapies that better target the factors that contribute to the disorders. Participation is open to anyone with OCD or BDD, or without any psychiatric diagnosis. Participants need to allow us to photograph them. Participants receive feedback as well as compensation .

Information: The Bio-Behavioral Institute is located in Great Neck on Long Island, NY.

For more information or to sign up, call and speak with Natalie or Jonathan at (516) 487-7116. Information is also available on our website: http://www.biobehavioralinstitute.com.

Posted: May 25, 2007

Do you suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Participants Wanted! Research Study on the Effectiveness of Duloxetine (Cymbalta^tm) In Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Dr. Darin Dougherty of the Massachusetts General Hospital OCD Clinic and Research Unit is conducting a research study on the use of duloxetine (Cymbalta^tm) to reduce the symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have OCD, you may be eligible to participate in this study. To be eligible you must:

be between 18-65 years old.
live within 1 hour of Boston.
be able to participate for 17 weeks.
not be pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are interested in this study and believe you are eligible, please contact Johanna Thompson-Hollands at (617) 726-9281.

Posted: March 13, 2007

Long-term Follow-Up Family Study of Children at Risk for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Do you or one of your family members suffer from unwanted thoughts, worries and behaviors that they can't stop? Or, is there someone in your family who has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Is there a child under 9 years old in your family who does not have OCD?

If you answered yes to these questions, we would like to ask you to become a part of a family research study at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The purpose of this study is to find the causes of OCD. Families who take part in this study will receive a psychological evaluation at no cost. Families will be given feedback about some of the tests given to the children. We will also want to collect a DNA sample and take a picture (MRI) of your brain.

This study will require 6 hours of your time per year. Compensation will be provided for you and your family.

If you are interested, please call (617) 643-3074 to get more information.

*This research is financed by the McIngvales' grant to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Posted: December 13, 2006

Aripiprazole Augmentation of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Alexander Bystritsky, M.D., Ph.D., Principal Investigator,
and Jamie Feusner, M.D., Co-investigator
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital
Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
300 Medical Plaza, Room 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line medication treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Approximately 43-60% of those treated with SRIs alone will have a response. With such a modest response rate and relatively low average reduction of symptoms (23-43%), additional medications are often needed in the treatment of OCD as most will fall into the categories of either "non-responder" or "partial-responder."

Several studies have shown benefit from adding medications called atypical neuroleptics to SRIs in people with OCD who have not responded to SRIs alone. (Atypical neuroleptics are medications which block the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin, and include aripiprazole (Abilify^tm), olanzapine (Zyprexa^tm), risperidone (Risperdal^tm), quetiapine (Seroquel^tm), and ziprasidone (Geodon^tm).

In this study we are investigating augmentation of an SRI with the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole (Abilify^tm) in a group of OCD patients, whether or not they are "non-responders." This will allow us to determine both the effects of aripiprazole and whether the combination of an atypical antipsychotic and an SRI produces a more robust improvement, in a broader OCD population, than an SRI alone. Such information may significantly impact the standard of clinical care for OCD patients.

Subjects in this study will randomly be assigned to receive either aripiprazole (Abilify^tm) or placebo in addition to their existing SRI medication for 18 weeks. Subjects will be evaluated every 2 weeks, and doses will be increased as tolerated and as needed. After the 18 weeks subjects will be assisted in finding referrals for continuing their treatment if effective, or finding other forms of treatment. The study medication will be provided free-of-charge, and subjects will be paid for their participation. If you are interested in participating in the study, or finding out more about it, please call: (310) 794-1038.