Feasibility of Modulating Cognitive Control in OCD

Evaluating Frontal Pole as a Window to Modulation of Cognitive Control in OCD

This study tests out procedures to look at whether a type of brain stimulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation impacts flexible shifts in behavior in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study examines whether study procedures are feasible and acceptable to people participating in the study, but does not determine whether this type of brain stimulation causes changes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current primary DSM-5 OCD diagnosis and current Y-BOCS total score of ≥16 (OCD group, only) or no current diagnosis of an emotional disorder, and no known history of OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorder(s), or recurrent major depressive disorder (Healthy participant group, only)
• 18-60 years of age
• ability to speak, read, write, and understand English sufficiently well to complete study procedures and provide informed consent
• psychotherapy and/or psychiatric medication use remain stable for 6 weeks prior to study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of current psychiatric diagnosis (healthy control group, only)
• active substance use disorder
• history of mania or hypomania, or lifetime presence of significant psychotic symptoms
• active suicidal or homicidal ideation
• use of medications known to reduce seizure threshold (e.g., stimulants)
• organic brain disease or injury representing a contraindication to TMS
• any health problems that would interfere with safe and/or practical study participation, including contraindications to TMS (e.g., seizure disorder, presence of metal hardware that would come in close contact with the discharging coil)
• current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period