Participants Needed for a Brain Imaging Research Study investigating Obsessions and Compulsions

Study Details

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition that affects millions of Canadians. OCD starts early in life, persists for a long time, and may increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions. To better understand the causes of OCD, it is important to further investigate the brain biology of OCD, and develop new and effective treatments.

For this study, we are looking for individuals aged 18 to 50 years old who currently experience obsessive-compulsive disorder. We will use brain imaging techniques, including PET (positron emission tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans to observe and study whether an important brain network contributes to OCD.  This will help us learn more about the biological mechanisms of this condition and also potentially guide development of new treatment options.

The study includes:

1. A pre-screening phone call (approximately 25 minutes)
2. A screening assessment visit (approximately 4 hours)
3. One MRI scan visit (approximately 2 hours)
4. One PET scan visit (approximately 4 hours)
5. Assessments for memory, problem solving and other thinking abilities  (approximately 1 hour)
6. Take home questionnaires (approximately 6 hours)

You may be eligible if:

• aged 18 - 50 years old 
• experience frequent unwanted thoughts or urges that keep coming back (obsessions) that might cause you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) OR be diagnosed with OCD
• no current substance use disorders
• no blood clotting disorder or use of blood thinner medication
• no unstable medical condition 
• no neurological illness (seizures, epilepsy) or head trauma
• no metal implants in body 
• not pregnant / breastfeeding
• not claustrophobic

Participants will receive compensation for time, including transportation and meals.

Study Lead: Dr. Stefan Kloiber

For information about programs and services at CAMH, please visit www.camh.ca or call 416-535-8501 (or 1-800-463-6273).

Contact

For more information about this research study, please contact us by phone at: (416) 535-8501 ext. 31609 or click the button below to reach us via email.

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