Join Our OCD Research Study!
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine are partnering with individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for a study evaluating a potential treatment.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed With OR Experiencing Symptoms of OCD
18-45
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Recruiting Participants from PA
Study Background
How do natural hormone cycles change the effectiveness of therapy for OCD?
Exposure and Ritual Prevention (EX/RP) is a first-line, evidence-based therapy that focuses on helping individuals with OCD face their obsessions or fears and resist their compulsions. However, not all OCD patients find this treatment effective. In this study, we want to determine how hormones affect the brain’s fear extinction network and individuals’ OCD symptoms.
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of delivering EX/RP to males and also to females during different phases in their menstrual cycle. Specifically, we are interested in seeing if this combination of naturally cycling hormone levels and EX/RP therapy will improve fear extinction. We’ll test the effects of the therapy through an emotional learning task that will be done in an fMRI scanner.
Our long-term goal is to optimize EX/RP for individuals suffering from OCD. Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for OCD in the future. Further research today and join our compensated study!
Study Background
How do natural hormone cycles change the effectiveness of therapy for OCD?
Exposure and Ritual Prevention (EX/RP) is a first-line, evidence-based therapy that focuses on helping individuals with OCD face their obsessions or fears and resist their compulsions. However, not all OCD patients find this treatment effective. In this study, we want to determine how hormones affect the brain’s fear extinction network and individuals’ OCD symptoms.
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of delivering EX/RP to males and also to females during different phases in their menstrual cycle. Specifically, we are interested in seeing if this combination of naturally cycling hormone levels and EX/RP therapy will improve fear extinction. We’ll test the effects of the therapy through an emotional learning task that will be done in an fMRI scanner.
Our long-term goal is to optimize EX/RP for individuals suffering from OCD. Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for OCD in the future. Further research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
Although Exposure and Ritual Prevention (EX/RP) therapy is considered a gold-standard treatment for OCD, some people do not fully recover after receiving EX/RP therapy and others do not benefit at all from this treatment. Therefore, our research is aimed at making EX/RP more effective for more people.
Previous research has found that certain hormones facilitate people learning not to fear things they had feared before. Based on these findings, we want to examine EX/RP therapy with different levels of naturally occurring hormones. This study will compare fear extinction and OCD symptoms after therapy across men and women, and across women in different sub-groups.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Men and women 18-45 years old
- Diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of OCD
- If female, must be menstruating and regularly cycling (every 21-35 days)
- Able to safely undergo an MRI (e.g., no metal implants, devices, braces)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently taking psychiatric medications or hormonal birth control
- Other significant psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis)
- Substance use disorders
- Significant neurological conditions
- Currently using oral contraception, an IUD, or experiencing menopause
- Currently pregnant
Once enrolled, participation involves two fMRI scans and eight sessions of EX/RP therapy for OCD. The EX/RP therapy will be a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. Additionally, you will complete a two-day stress response task. One of the days includes the MRI mentioned previously. You will also complete virtual interviews with a clinician and will do a virtual follow-up with the therapist at the end of the study.
Compensation is provided up to $500 and travel costs.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.