Anxiety Disorders Center:  Research for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
 

Treatment Research for OCD

The Anxiety Disorders Center at Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living is conducting research on new ways to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study is open to adults, ages 18-65, who have OCD. Participants in this ongoing study will receive free Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for OCD. In this study we are comparing two methods of delivering CBT. The first method is called a “Stepped Care” model because it begins with a less intensive treatment in which participants create their own therapy programs using a treatment manual and three sessions with a therapist to help guide them. If the first step has not significantly helped to reduce a participant’s OCD symptoms, they can “step up” to a more intensive program of one-on-one CBT with a therapist, given twice-weekly.

The second method of delivering CBT involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist given twice-weekly for eight weeks, in which participants work directly with the therapist in sessions and practice what they learn at home.

Participants in this treatment study are randomly assigned (like a coin toss) to a treatment method. In order to participate in the treatment study, you must be able to travel to The Institute of Living in Hartford, CT up to two times per week for eight weeks.

For more information, please contact:
(860) 545-7039
adcresearch@harthosp.org

Research to Help Us Learn More about OCD and Related Problems

The Anxiety Disorders Center is conducting several studies comparing OCD to compulsive hoarding. Compulsive hoarding is a problem of excessive clutter in one's home, usually associated with difficulty discarding items and/or acquiring (either purchased or free) a number of items that one does not need or use, or cannot afford.  In order to participate in any of the following studies, you must be able to travel to The Institute of Living in Hartford, CT. All of the research studies described below compensate you for your time and effort.

Interview Study

One of our studies, in collaboration with Smith College and Boston University, examines how the problem with OCD or clutter started, the relationship between hoarding and other kinds of emotional problems, and thoughts, emotions, and beliefs in relation to clutter, saving, and acquiring. This study involves coming into our center for an interview, as well as completing a number of questionnaires. People may participate in this study if they have OCD, hoarding, or both.

Neuropsychology Study

An additional study examines cognitive functioning in OCD in comparison to compulsive hoarding. In addition to completing questionnaires, you will participate in neuropsychological tests that evaluate attention, concentration, memory, and problem-solving. People may participate in this study if they have OCD or hoarding.

Brain Scan Study

In a third study, we are interested in understanding brain functioning and activity in OCD as it compares to compulsive hoarding.  This study involves coming into the clinic for some interviews and questionnaires, as well as completing a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in which we examine how your brain responds to different tasks. People may participate in this study if they have OCD or hoarding.

For more information, please contact:
(860) 545-7039
adcresearch@harthosp.org

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