Research Studies
OCD Studies
- Contact us at: 1-866-6MGH-OCD or ocdclinic@partners.org
Adult Studies
| "A Cross-Sectional Study of Families with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder" (PI: Jeanne Fama, Ph.D.) |
| Katherine Crowe (617) 643-4387 KCROWE2@PARTNERS.ORG |
| The purpose of this study is to investigate factors associated with symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This study will explore thinking patterns, behaviors, beliefs, and relationships in individuals and families with OCD and/or BDD and those without OCD or BDD. The goal of the study is to improve our understanding of factors that may contribute to the symptoms of OCD and BDD. Such knowledge may ultimately help us to develop prevention/early intervention strategies for these disorders. During participation, comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic interviews, computer tasks, and self-report measures will be administered to children diagnosed with OCD or BDD or no disorder as well to their first-degree relatives. |
| "Duloxetine for the Treatment of OCD" (PI: Darin Dougherty, M.D.) |
| Tina Chou (617) 643-4742 TCHOU@PARTNERS.ORG |
| This study is for people with OCD who are not currently taking any other psychiatric medications (other meds, including birth control, are fine). The study runs for 17 weeks, and involves 6 visits to our clinic in Charlestown. During the first visit subjects are interviewed about their past psychiatric history, and complete a variety of questionnaires. The first study visit is the longest (1-2 hours), but visits after that take 20-30 minutes each. At these visits, subjects fill out some short symptom assessments, and discuss how treatment is going for them. At the final visit we will assess the patients' progress and discuss future treatment options. There is no compensation for the study, but the medication is provided free of charge. Patients who wish to enroll must not be on any psychiatric medications, nor can they be undergoing current behavior therapy. Patients with comorbid bipolar disorder or psychosis are excluded, as are patients who have had a depressive episode in the last 12 months. |
| Detailed Study Description |
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"Attentional Processes in Scrupulous OCD" |
| Michelle Silverman (617) 724-4354 MCSILVERMAN@PARTNERS.ORG |
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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 contamination, 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 |
Pediatric Studies
| "D-Cycloserine Augmentation of CBT for Pediatric OCD" (PI: Daniel A. Geller, M.D.) |
| Ashley Brown (617) 726-5527 ABROWN37@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.) |
| Michelle Silverman (617) 724-4354 MCSILVERMAN@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 |
| "A Cross-Sectional Study of Families with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder"(PI: Jeanne Fama, Ph.D.) |
| Katherine Crowe (617) 643-4387 KCROWE2@PARTNERS.ORG |
| The purpose of this study is to investigate factors associated with symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This study will explore thinking patterns, behaviors, beliefs, and relationships in individuals and families with OCD and/or BDD and those without OCD or BDD. The goal of the study is to improve our understanding of factors that may contribute to the symptoms of OCD and BDD. Such knowledge may ultimately help us to develop prevention/early intervention strategies for these disorders. During participation, comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic interviews, computer tasks, and self-report measures will be administered to children diagnosed with OCD or BDD or no disorder as well to their first-degree relatives. |
| Detailed Study Description |
| "Enhancing the Effectiveness of Behavior Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder." (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D.) |
| Michelle Silverman (617) 724-4354 MCSILVERMAN@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 |
| "Attentional Bias in Body Dysmorphic Disorder" (PI: Jennifer Greenberg, Psy.D.) |
| Lillian Reuman (617) 643-6204 LREUMAN@PARTNERS.ORG |
| We are seeking adults who are very worried about how they look to participate in a research study involving a clinical interview, questionnaires, and computerized tasks. Participation includes two visits to MGH, and up to $100 compensation. |
| Detailed Study Description |
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"Common maintaining factors in body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia nervosa" (PI: Sabine Wilhelm, PhD) |
| Andrea Hartmann, PhD (617) 724-8691 AHARTMANN1@PARTNERS.ORG |
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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.
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| "Muscle Dysmorphia and BDD" (PI: Aaron J. Blashill, Ph.D.) |
| Michelle Silverman (617) 724-4354 MCSILVERMAN@PARTNERS.ORG |
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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.
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| 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 |
Tic Studies
- Contact us at: 1-877-501-TICS or tics@partners.org
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"Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder" (PI: Hannah Reese, Ph.D.) |
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Katherine Crowe |
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The purpose of this research study is to develop and test a new treatment for adults with TS or CTD. The treatment that we are studying is called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a well-established intervention designed to promote nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness of one's bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Many clinics and health centers nationwide now use it to treat various medical and psychological conditions. In this study, we are testing a version of MBSR that we have tailored specifically for the treatment of tics (MBSR-tics). This treatment has never been tested for the treatment of tics so we do not know if it will be helpful. This is what we hope to discover with this research study. Eligible participants will attend 8 weekly 2-hour MBSR-tics classes as well as one 4-hour weekend class during the 5th or 6th week of the study. Each class will have between 4 and 16 participants and 2 instructors. The classes will provide instruction and practice in mindful meditation. Mindful meditation is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a perception (e.g., sound, taste), bodily sensation, thought, or emotion. The practices are designed to help you develop a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. As we mentioned above, the classes have been specifically tailored to individuals with tics. Accordingly, each class will provide information about tics and how mindfulness and mindful meditation can be applied to the management of tics in your daily life. Enrollment is limited and the first class is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 27th, so please don’t hesitate to call. |
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 |
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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. |