Cognitive Training in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Cognitive Training in Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This unique study will allow us to observe the neural correlates associated with working memory in an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) paradigm. We believe that developing working memory in participants suffering with OCD will reduce the severity of their symptomology. This will allow a greater understanding into the functioning of these participants which in turn presents with treatment possibilities.

It is currently unclear whether cognitive training using a working memory task, is effective in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and neuropsychological deficits in patients with OCD. Two groups (OCD and control) will be recruited. Both groups will undergo an intervention consisting of 8 weeks of cognitive training. Working memory, neuropsychological functioning and OCD symptomatology will be assessed pre and post-treatment, in both groups. Furthermore neuroimaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be conducted at baseline as well as at the end of the 8 week period in both groups. The scan will serve to show any structural or functional changes in the frontostriatal area involved with working memory. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to date to examine whether cognitive training improves symptoms in OCD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A primary diagnosis of OCD, with a score > 16 on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) (Goodman et al, 1989b, 1006-1011).
• Participants must be aged older than 18 and younger than 65 years.
• Right handed.
• If taking SSRI's the participant needs to be on a stable dose for at least 2 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant physical or neurological illnesses. An exception will be made for patients taking SSRI's (and not using any other drugs).
• Any significant current DSM disorder (in addition to OCD).
• Past history of significant substance or alcohol abuse.
• Pregnancy.
• Any metal pins/ prostheses or cardiac pacemakers.
• Sufferers of claustrophobia.
• Head injury