Extending Ketamine's Effects in OCD With Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP)

Extending Ketamine's Effects in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) With Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP)

This study investigates if a single dose of IV Ketamine can rapidly improve Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms and whether these effect can be maintained with a condensed course of a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP). You will be compensated for your time and travel. Participants must be between the ages of 18-55.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-55
• Physically healthy and not currently pregnant
• Primary Diagnosis of OCD
• Sufficient severity of symptoms
• Currently off all psychotropic medication OR
• Currently on adequate dose of medication for treatment of OCD, but have not achieved at least partial remission
• Able to provide consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychiatric conditions that make participation unsafe (schizophrenia [either self or first degree relative e.g. siblings, parents], history of violence, severe depression, eating disorder, substance dependence [including nicotine])
• Female patients who are either pregnant or nursing
• Planning to commence EX/RP during the period of the study or those who have completed an adequate dose of EX/RP (defined as 8 or more sessions within 2 months) within 8 weeks prior to enrollment.

period of the study

• Allergy to ketamine
• Participants for whom being off of medication is not clinically recommended
• Medical conditions that make participation unsafe (e.g. high blood pressure, head injury)
• Currently on medications that make participation unsafe