This study is being conducted to better understand if symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are related to how people learn and make decisions and to explore if these factors may influence how much people benefit from treatment. The findings may help improve understanding of OCD and support the development of more effective treatment approaches.

Overall Duration

Participation in this study lasts 10 weeks.

In-Person and Remote Activities

Before joining the study, participants will complete a phone interview and an evaluation over Zoom to determine if the study is a good fit. Other mental and physical health screenings may be conducted by the study team to determine if you are eligible.

Participants will complete two in-person study visits at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City at the beginning and end of the 10-week period.

• Visit 1 (about 3 hours):
  • Complete computer-based games where you will learn patterns and make choices while wearing an electroencephalogram (EEG) cap, which measures brain activity
  • Complete some additional tasks without EEG
  • Fill out questionnaires about thoughts, feelings, and symptoms (completed remotely)
• Visit 2 (about 2 hours):
  • Complete computer-based games while brain activity is measured using EEG
  • Fill out follow-up questionnaires (completed remotely)

If participants are diagnosed with OCD, they will also receive 17 sessions of Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP), a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD. Therapy sessions will take place both remotely and in person over the 10-week study period. These sessions are provided at no cost.

Participants will also meet remotely with a study team member at the beginning, middle, and end of treatment to answer questions about their OCD symptoms. Each of these meetings lasts about 1 hour.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18–55
• English-speaking
• Right-handed
• Have been diagnosed with OCD or suspect you may have OCD
• Not currently taking psychiatric medications (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, stimulants)
• Able to complete remote therapy sessions from New York or New Jersey, or able to attend all therapy sessions in person

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current unstable or major health concern(s) that would prevent participation, as determined by the study team

Participants may receive up to $200 for completing study activities. Additionally, participants will receive no-cost EX/RP therapy.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.