View clinical trials related to Compulsive Behavior.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Escitalopram in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder and to determine the optimal treatment dose.
This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) guided 1 Hz repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) applied to the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) in OCD patients who have not fully responded to conventional therapies. The investigators will collect TMS measures of motor cortex excitability to test whether rTMS restores normal levels of intracortical inhibition found to be deficient in OCD. The investigators hypothesize that: 1. Compared to sham (placebo), active rTMS will improve symptoms of OCD as assessed with the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). 2. Active (but not sham) rTMS will normalize levels of motor cortex excitability, as reflected by increased intracortical inhibition, motor threshold, and cortical silent period, and by decreased intracortical facilitation, relative to pre-treatment baseline.
This study will compare serotonin transporters in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy volunteers in order to better understand the role of serotonin in OCD. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that transmits nerve impulses. The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a protein that regulates serotonin levels in the brain. Normal, healthy volunteers and patients with OCD between 18 and 50 years of age and in overall good health may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history, physical examination, blood and urine tests, and a psychological interview and tests related to OCD symptoms. Participants undergo the following tests: - Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning: For this test, subjects lie on the scanner bed, wearing special masks that are fitted to their heads and attached to the beds to help keep their heads still during the procedure. An 8-minute "transmission" scan is done to provide measures of the brain that will help calculate information obtained from subsequent scans. Then, a radioactive tracer is injected into a catheter (plastic tube) placed in the arm. The scan produces images of the serotonin transporters in the brain. Pictures are taken for about 2 hours, while the subject lies still on the scanner bed. - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning: An MRI scan of the brain is done within 1 year of the PET scan-that is, up to 1 year before or 1 year after the PET scan. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of body tissues and organs. For this procedure, the patient lies on a table that is moved into the scanner (a narrow cylinder), wearing earplugs to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur during the scanning process. The procedure lasts about 1 hour, during which the patient will be asked to lie still for up to a few minutes at a time. - Genotyping: Subjects provide a blood sample (4 tablespoons) for DNA testing to look for genes or gene regions that may contribute to serotonin activity. This may lead to a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of the serotonin system that influence mood, movement, and addiction.
This study will determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy delivered by either psychologists or psychiatrists can improve the effectiveness of serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment in children with obsessive compulsive disorder.
This study will evaluate the use of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to reduce symptom severity and enhance the quality of life for patients with treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
This study will evaluate a treatment program for young children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and their families.
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of two cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) in treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in patients who are taking medication but still have residual symptoms.
The purpose of this study is to learn more about Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children. OCD usually has a slow onset, and symptoms that may remain at a stable level over time. A subset of children with OCD has a sudden onset and symptoms that fluctuate in severity over time. This study will also compare healthy children to those with OCD. This is an observational study; children who participate will not receive any new or experimental therapies. OCD affects nearly 1% of the pediatric population. The symptoms of this illness can interrupt development, causing significant psychological distress and producing life-long impairments in social, academic, and occupational functioning. A subgroup of pediatric OCD has been designated by the acronym PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). This type of OCD is characterized by sudden symptom onset and a relapsing-remitting course of illness; exacerbation of symptoms occurs with scarlet fever or strep. throat infections. This study will identify factors that distinguish children with PANDAS OCD from children with non-PANDAS OCD, and will compare both groups to healthy children. Children with OCD and their parents are screened with interviews and a review of the child's medical records. Participants have an initial evaluation that includes a psychiatric, physical and neuromotor exam, neuropsychological testing, psychological interviews, and a blood test. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRS) scans of the brain are also obtained. The MRS scan does not use radiation. After the initial evaluation, children with OCD have follow-up visits every 6 weeks for 12 to 24 months. They are seen yearly for 8 years after the study. If they have a significant improvement or worsening of their symptoms, they are asked to make a maximum of two extra visits. Parents of OCD patients are called four times a year to discuss any changes in the child's condition between yearly visits. All participants have a 1-year follow-up visit upon study completion.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort as compared to placebo (an inactive substance) in the treatment of outpatients with obsessive compulsive disorder.
This study will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to study the function of the cerebral cortex (outer layer of the brain) in people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. A non-invasive procedure, TMS activates areas of the brain with magnetic pulses that travel through the scalp and head and cause small electrical currents in the brain. People 18 years of age and older with OCD and disorders that may be related-tic disorders, such as Tourette's syndrome, focal dystonia (localized muscle cramps), body dysmorphic disorder (hypersensitivity to changes in appearance), eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling)-may be eligible for this study. Healthy normal volunteers will also be enrolled. Candidates will be screened by telephone interview. Participants will undergo TMS. For this procedure, an insulated wire coil is placed on the subject's head. A brief electrical current passes through the coil, creating a magnetic pulse that travels through the scalp and skull and causes small electrical currents in the outer part of the brain. The stimulation may cause muscle, hand or arm twitching, or may affect movement or reflexes. During the stimulation, the subject may be asked to tense certain muscles slightly or perform other simple actions. The electrical activity of muscles during stimulation is recorded with a computer or other recording device, using electrodes attached to the skin with tape. Subjects will receive fewer than 500 magnetic pulses, and the study will take less than 3 hours. Participants may repeat the procedure on several occasions, if they agree.