Neurocircuit Mechanisms of OCD Across the Lifespan

While the study itself is of parallel design for its data-collection and measurement purpose, it is listed as a partial-crossover design in the IRB-approved protocol because subjects randomized to the SMT group are given the option of entering 12-weeks of CBT sessions after all of their SMT data collection. To understand brain changes that occur with CBT compared to SMT in both age groups, the investigators will collect fMRI data before and after therapy. Some limited data will be collected in patients who are initially randomized to SMT but then opt to crossover to CBT. fMRI data will also be collected in healthy teens and adults before and after 12 weeks (but without intervening therapy) to allow the investigators to control for the simple effects of time that may cause brain changes that are not related to therapy.

Inclusion criteria

for all OCD Subjects & Healthy Volunteers:

• Male or female
• Age 13-17 (inclusive) subjects diagnosed with OCD, age of onset before 15 years
• Age 25-45 (inclusive) subjects diagnosed with OCD, age of onset before 15 years
• Age 13-17 (inclusive) year old healthy volunteers
• Age 25-45 (inclusive) year old healthy volunteers
• OCD adolescent and adult subjects can be on medications but will have to be on a stable medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to enrolling.
• Able and willing to give informed consent
• Ability to tolerate small, enclosed spaces without anxiety

Exclusion criteria

for OCD Subjects:

• Anyone between the ages of 18-24 (inclusive range)
• No lifetime diagnosis of bipolar or psychosis disorders
• Age of OCD onset after 15 years old
• No substance/alcohol abuse in the past 6 months
• No lifetime history of substance/alcohol dependence
• No evidence of suicidal intentions or behaviors in the past 6 months
• No history of serious medical or neurological illness
• No history of closed head injury (e.g. loss of consciousness)
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Volunteers:

• No history of past or current mental illness
• Not taking any medication, prescription or non-prescription, with psychotropic effects
• First-degree family members with OCD or tic disorders