The Center for OCD and Related Disorders

Current Studies

We are currently recruiting participants for a wide range of research studies! Our research work is funded in large part by the National Institutes of Health (NIMH) and by private foundations. If you are interested in participating in one of our research studies, please call (646) 774-8062 to speak with a research coordinator. We will offer you a confidential screening and evaluation to determine whether you are eligible for one of our studies. Any treatment you receive as part of your study participation is provided at no cost to you.

You can view and inquire about our current studies by visiting RecruitMe and searching "OCD".

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  • Brain Imaging for Individuals with OCD

    Principal Investigator

    Helen Blair Simpson, MD, PhD
    The goal of the project is to identify brain signatures associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by comparing brain images of (1) individuals with OCD, (2) individuals without OCD, and (3) siblings of individuals with OCD who do not themselves have the disorder. Eligible participants will be asked questions about their medical and psychiatric history, perform tasks on a computer, and receive a brain scan using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The study can be completed in one or two in-person visits.

  • Brain Imaging for Siblings of People with OCD

    Principal Investigator

    Helen Blair Simpson, MD, PhD
    The goal of the project is to identify brain characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by comparing brain images of (1) individuals with OCD, (2) individuals without OCD, and (3) siblings of individuals with OCD who do not themselves have the disorder. Eligible participants will be asked questions about their medical and psychiatric history, perform tasks on a computer, and receive a brain scan using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The study can be completed in one or two in-person visits. This study does not involve treatment.

  • Coping with Stress

    The purpose of this study is to learn more about how individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders respond to a stress reactivity task. This study may help us to better understand the brain basis of OCD and anxiety disorders so that we can improve treatments. You will be asked to complete a stress reactivity task and questionnaires about your symptoms and health for compensation of up to $100.

  • Piloting a Measure Online to Assess Emotional Well-Being

    Principal Investigator

    Helen Blair Simpson, MD, PhD
    The goal of the project is to examine the accuracy of self-report measures that are commonly used to assess symptoms of emotional distress and well-being in (1) individuals with OCD, (2) individuals with anxiety, and (3) individuals without OCD/anxiety. Eligible participants will be asked questions about their medical and psychiatric history (through an evaluation with a clinician that can be done remotely and online questionnaires) and to perform a task on a computer. All parts of the study must be completed within a week.

  • Seeking healthy controls for studies of OCD and anxiety

    Principal Investigator

    Raphael B. Campeas, MD
    We are seeking individuals without any history of psychiatric disorders to serve as controls in our studies of OCD and anxiety. Studies may involve diagnostic interviews, MRI scans, and computer tasks. Compensation provided for time and travel.

  • Toward Precision Medicine for OCD

    Principal Investigator

    Helen Blair Simpson, MD, PhD
    The Center for OCD and Related Disorders and the Institute of Genomic Medicine is conducting a study to look for genetic causes of OCD. Our goal is to look at the genes of individuals with OCD to see if we can identify what may have put those individuals at risk for OCD. Participants will receive a clinical evaluation at no cost, a blood draw (up to 2 tablespoons) and compensation for their time. Significant findings from these genetic tests will be reported back to participants (if they chose to be notified of results).