Assessing the Effects of a Neurobehavioral Intervention on Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This experiment will examine if the use of computerized tasks that train individuals to control their attention more effectively will predict individual differences in obsessive-compulsive symptoms, rumination and BDNF change. After giving consent, filling out self-report forms, and giving blood for the BDNF test, 80 participants will be randomized to Cognitive Control Training (CCT) or Peripheral Vision Task (PVT) (described below) which will be administered three times over a two week period. At the third visit, participants will also complete an anagram task and repeat the blood draw for BDNF testing. The investigators hypothesize that computerized tasks that train individuals to control their attention more effectively will reduce Obsessive Compulsive (OC) symptoms. Additionally, individuals training in CCT will show increased ability to disengage from unattainable goals as assessed by responses to an unsolvable anagram task. Finally, individuals training in CCT will show a greater increase in BDNF levels as compared to individuals training in PVT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ages 18-65 years
• OCI-R total score ≥ 16
• Ability to read and provide informed consent.
• Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse.

Exclusion Criteria:

• BDI-II suicidality score of > 1