Neural Correlates of Compulsivity

This study aims to collect data from individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls in order to clarify how learning strategies are employed differently by individuals with compulsive psychopathology and healthy individuals. Behavioral and electroencephalogram (EEG) data will be collected during one experimental reinforcement learning tasks from participants diagnosed with OCD (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). Computational modeling, an advanced data analytic approach that can directly link neural measures with behavior, will be used to quantify learning processes. These parameters then will be related to measures of neural events obtained using EEG, a neuroimaging method that has high temporal resolution, to test for evidence of neurocognitive alterations.

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Key information

Conditions

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Anxiety Disorders Mental Disorders

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

New York State Psychiatric Institute

New York, 10032, United States

About this study

Learning and decisions making are thought to be directed by multiple parallel cognitive systems. These systems account for automatic, inflexible responding to stimuli, as well as more deliberate, effortful representations of relationships in an environment. It has long been suggested than an imbalance in these cognitive control systems explains the emergence of compulsivity, a trait in which behaviors persist despite adverse outcomes. Compulsivity is a characteristic of a number of psychological disorders, however, current theories of how abnormalities in cognitive systems involved in learning and decision making lead to the onset of these disorders remain incomplete.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Between 18-50 years of age
English-speaking
Capacity to provide informed consent
Primary diagnosis of OCD with at least moderate severity

Exclusion criteria

Current or lifetime history of psychiatric disorders other than OCD that may increase the risk of participation
History of any significant medical condition that may increase the risk of participation
Alcohol or substance use disorder in the past year
Exposure and response prevention for OCD within the last six weeks
Currently taking psychotropic medication

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Neural Activity

Time frame: One-time study visit

EEG will be recorded while participants complete computerized reinforcement learning tasks at one study visit

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Columbia University

Other

Collaborators

International OCD Foundation

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2021
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Jan 19, 2022
Registry last updated: May 6, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed