Research Studies
OCD Studies
- Contact us at: 1-866-6MGH-OCD or ocdclinic@partners.org
Adult Studies
|
"A Medication Research Study for Adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" |
| Liza Rosenfield (617) 643-4387 EROSENFIELD@PARTNERS.ORG |
| The purpose of this research study is to test the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medication taken in combination with a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant in adults ages 18-65 with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The study involves nine visits to our clinic and three phone interviews over 21 weeks. All study procedures and medication are provided at no cost. Volunteers must be between the ages of 18-65 years old, currently prescribed a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, and in generally good health. Participants will be compensated for each completed study visit and reimbursed for parking. |
| Detailed Study Description |
|
"Attentional Processes in Scrupulous OCD" |
| Natalie Matheny (617) 724-4354 NMATHENY@PARTNERS.ORG |
|
The purpose of this study is to examine how individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) pay attention to things. OCD is a psychiatric illness characterized by persistent and intrusive obsessions and/or repetitive, time-consuming compulsions. For this study, we are recruiting people whose OCD symptoms are focused on religious or moral concerns. Participants will come into the clinic for one visit (approximately 3-4 hours) and complete an interview with a clinician, fill out questionnaires, and complete a series of computerized attention tasks. Participants will receive $75 compensation for completing the study and reimbursement for parking. |
| Detailed Study Description |
|
"Pilot study of perceptual organization in body dysmorphic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| 866-6MGH-OCD |
| The Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking volunteers to participate in a one- visit research study involving a diagnostic interview (at no cost) and computerized tasks.
To participate in this study, you must: -Have a diagnosis of OCD Participants may receive up to $50 for their time. If you meet these criteria and would like more information, please call 866-6MGH-OCD. |
Pediatric Studies
| "D-Cycloserine Augmentation of CBT for Pediatric OCD" (PI: Daniel A. Geller, M.D.) |
| Kesley Ramsey (617) 726-5578 KARAMSEY@PARTNERS.ORG |
| This study is for kids ages 7-17 who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The purpose of this double blind placebo-controlled study is to investigate whether d-cycloserine, (an antibiotic), helps kids benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is the recognized treatment standard. Specifically, we are testing to see if d-cyloserine enhances the efficacy of CBT, leading to a decrease in OCD symptoms and marked reduction in obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors. The study consists of comprehensive assessment, 10 sessions of CBT over 8 weeks, and long-term follow up visits. This research may help shape future treatment of pediatric OCD. The study medication and associated therapy sessions are provided at no cost. Subjects may earn up to $240 for their participation. Parking is provided. |
| Detailed Study Description |
BDD Studies
- Contact us at: 1-877-4MGH-BDD or bdd@partners.org
Adult Studies
| "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Supportive Psychotherapy for BDD" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| Anne Wilson (617) 643-4357 AWILSON15@PARTNERS.ORG |
| The purpose of this research study is to learn more about two different forms of therapy to help individuals with BDD: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a promising new treatment for BDD, and supportive psychotherapy (SPT), the most commonly received therapy for BDD. The investigators would like to find out which treatment is more effective for BDD. Participants will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive 22 sessions (over 24 weeks) of either CBT or SPT. |
| Detailed Study Description |
| "Medication Study for Body Dysmorphic Disorder" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| Natalie Matheny (617) 724-4354 NMATHENY@PARTNERS.ORG |
| Some individuals with appearance concerns may suffer from a condition called Body Dysmorphic Disorder, BDD, which is characterized by an excessive concern with a perceived flaw in one's appearance. We are conducting a medication treatment study for adults with BDD that seeks to establish the efficacy of Lexapro, a marketed antidepressant medication, in the treatment of this disorder. Additionally, this study seeks to determine whether individuals who do well on Lexapro will continue to do well after discontinuation of the medication. It is hoped that some of the gains made during medication treatment can be maintained after the treatment has ceased. Lexapro is among the most highly recommended medications for BDD, although there is currently no FDA approved medication for BDD. |
| Detailed Study Description |
| "Enhancing the Effectiveness of Behavior Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder." (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| Natalie Matheny (617) 724-4354 NMATHENY@PARTNERS.ORG |
| In this research study we seek to investigate the effectiveness of D-cycloserine as a memory booster for Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. D-cycloserine is an antibiotic that has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis for over 20 years. Research so far demonstrates D-cycloserine does increase the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We would like to expand this research with D-cycloserine to see if it is effective with body dysmorphic disorder. |
| Detailed Study Description |
|
"Pilot study of perceptual organization in body dysmorphic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| 877-4MGH-BDD |
| The Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and/or Body Dysmorphic Disorder to participate in a research study involving a clinical interview, questionnaires, and computerized tasks. |
|
"Common maintaining factors in body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia nervosa" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, PhD) |
| Andrea Hartmann, PhD (617) 724-8691 AHARTMANN1@PARTNERS.ORG |
|
The purpose of this research is to examine common factors that are potentially maintaining body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia nervosa, such as attractiveness beliefs, self-esteem, perfectionism, information processing, and intrusive appearance related thoughts.
Participants will come to the OCD and related disorders clinic for one visit (approximately 4.5 hours) or will participate at Klarman Eating Disorders Center at McLean Hospital. They complete interviews with a clinician, fill out questionnaires, and complete a series of computerized tasks as well as an experimental task. Participants will receive $125 compensation for completing the study and reimbursement for parking.
|
| "Muscle Dysmorphia and BDD" (PI: Aaron J. Blashill, Ph.D.) |
| Natalie Matheny (617) 724-4354 NMATHENY@PARTNERS.ORG |
|
This study is examining similarities and differences between body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and a subtype of BDD called muscle dysmorphia, among men age 18 and older. Muscle dysmorphia involves an excessive preoccupation with thoughts that one’s body is not sufficiently lean and muscular, and frequently involves excessive weightlifting. We are interested in recruiting both men with muscle dysmorphia and those with non-muscle focused appearance concerns. This one-time study visit is at the MGH main campus, and will last for roughly 2 hours, and consist of an interview with a clinician and filling out questionnaires. You will be reimbursed $50.00 for the completion of the study visit.
|
| Detailed Study Description |
Pediatric Studies
| "An Open Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Body Dysmorphic Disorder" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| Lillian Reuman (617) 643-6204 LREUMAN@PARTNERS.ORG |
| The purpose of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. CBT is the most effective psychological treatment for adults with BDD. Information we have so far suggests that CBT might prove effective in treating children and adolescents with BDD as well. |
| Detailed Study Description |
Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) Study
- Contact us at: 617-643-8464 or EALTENBURGER@PARTNERS.ORG
| “A Genetics Study of Trichotillomania and Chronic Hair Pulling” (PI: Nancy Keuthen, Ph.D.) |
| Erin Altenburger (617) 643-8464 EALTENBURGER@PARTNERS.ORG |
|
Do you pull out your hair? If so, you might be interested in the Genetics Study of Trichotillomania and Chronic Hair Pulling, sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital are conducting a research study to learn more about the genetics links in the development and maintenance of Trichotillomania and chronic hair pulling. You may be eligible if you are between 18-65 years of age and frequently pull out your hair. We are enrolling individuals 18-65 years of age who have been diagnosed with Trichotillomania, or have chronic hair pulling. Participation is divided into 3 parts: Study participation is strictly voluntary and may require 2-4 hours per person. Upon completion of all study tasks, each participant will be paid $50 for his/her participation. |