Overlapping Neural Circuits in Pediatric OCD

The capacity to coordinate thoughts and actions to execute goal-directed behaviors (cognitive control) and the capacity to anticipate, respond to, and learn from reward (reward processing) are key processes for human behavior. Dysfunction in these processes has been hypothesized to contribute to repetitive thoughts and behaviors in many disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette Syndrome (TS), and eating disorders. The investigators will use multimodal imaging to investigate neural circuits that support cognitive control and reward processing, using pediatric OCD as a model system. The short-term goal is to clarify how circuit-based abnormalities contribute to repetitive thoughts/behaviors; these data will inform future trans-diagnostic studies. The long-term goal is to identify control and reward circuit-abnormalities as targets for new trans-diagnostic treatments.

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be 5-17 at the time of consent
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) Diagnosis of OCD as the principal problem
• Not on psychotropic medication and not receiving current psychotherapy for OCD
• Written informed assent by the participants (8 and older) and consent by the parent
• Participants and a parent/guardian must be able to read and understand English

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

• DSM-IV current diagnosis of major depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette's/Tic Disorder, or substance/alcohol abuse
• DSM-IV lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, or substance/alcohol abuse
• Active suicidal ideation
• Females who are pregnant or nursing
• Major medical or neurological problems
• Presence of metallic device or dental braces
• IQ<80
• A current or past diagnosis of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus (PANDAS)
• Individuals who are currently receiving CBT, other forms of psychotherapy, or psychotropic medications
• Individuals who have received a full course of CBT in the past
• A positive pregnancy test
• Positive urine screen for illicit drugs
• Inability of participant or parent/guardian to read or understand English

Healthy Control Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be 5-17 at the time of consent
• Written informed assent by the participants (8 and older) and consent by the parent
• Participants and a parent/guardian must be able to read and understand English

Healthy Control Exclusion Criteria:

• Any current or lifetime psychiatric diagnosis
• Active suicidal ideation
• Females who are pregnant or nursing
• Major medical or neurological problems
• Presence of metallic device or dental braces
• IQ<80
• A current or past diagnosis of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus (PANDAS)
• A positive pregnancy test
• Positive urine screen for illicit drugs
• Inability of participant or parent/guardian to read or understand English