Overview: Our research work is funded in large part by the National Institutes of Health and private foundations. If you are interested in one of our research studies, please call #212-543-5367. 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. (Under 18 years old?  Check out these other opportunities for child and adolescent treatment and studies: http://columbiapsychiatry.org/research/clinics/cdu.html and www.anxietytreatmentnyc.org) OCD Treatment Studies Maximizing Treatment Outcome in OCD (IRB# 5188)   Are you taking medications for your OCD? Are you still having bothersome symptoms? Are you interested in receiving cost-free treatment? This study compares the effectiveness of two proven treatment strategies for OCD patients who are currently on a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI, i.e., clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram) but still have residual symptoms. Participants remain on their current medication and receive either cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) consisting of exposure and ritual prevention or an additional medication (risperidone). The goal is to compare these two augmentation strategies, each of which has been found effective in prior studies.  Note: Patients who do not improve after 8.5 weeks of treatment will be offered at no-cost the treatment they did not initially receive (either the CBT or the add-on medication).  All treatment is at no charge. To schedule a confidential screening, contact: Dr. James Bender at #212-543-5462 or Jose Hernandez #212-543-5367.  Click here to learn more about the study! Research on OCD and the Brain Would you be interested in helping us learn more about how OCD works in the brain?     The OCD Research Clinic is conducting studies using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), measurement of the startle response, and manual and computer-based tests to learn more about the neurobiology of OCD.  If you are over 18 and NOT currently on psychiatric medications or hormonal birth control, you might be eligible for one or more of our current studies.  For each study you choose to participate in, you will be compensated for your time. To schedule a confidential screening, contact: Rena Staub at #212-543-5380 or Jose Hernandez at #212-543-5367. Some of our current research studies: Imaging the Serotonin System in OCD (IRB#5494R) The study examines whether the brain serotonin system is different in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than in those without OCD. One of the brain serotonin receptors will be measured using a standard imaging procedure called positron emission tomography (PET). An anatomical picture of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also done. Subjects are compensated $500 for their participation and offered three months of OCD treatment at no cost to them. Measurement of Eye Blinking Response to Startling Noises and Thought Inhibition (IRB#5584) This study aims to identify markers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that are not direct symptoms of OCD. Specifically, we measure how much someone blinks in response to a loud, startling noise (a method for measuring something called pre-pulse inhibition), and we give you several computer tasks. Subjects are compensated $100 for their participation and a $10 Metro card. MRI Studies of the Brain in Health and Illness (IRB#5321) This study uses functional MR brain imaging (fMRI) to better understand the neurobiology of disorders such as OCD.  Subjects are compensated $125 for their participation ...and more!... Other OCD Research Studies OCD Collaborative Association Genetic Study (IRB# 5607) Would you be interested in helping us learn more about the causes of OCD? The study will create a DNA collection from over 2,000 people to permit scientists to search for OCD-related genes. Indentifying genes that contribute to OCD may lead to the development of better treatments for OCD. YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PARTICIPATION IF: • You are between the ages of 18 and 60. • You have been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have obsessions and compulsions. • Both of your biological parents are alive and might be interested in also helping with the study. IF YOU VOLUNTEER AND ARE ELIGIBLE: • You will be interviewed about your personal and family mental health history. Interviews can be completed in your home or at our medical center. • You and your parents will be asked to give a blood sample for DNA. This can be done in your home or at our medical center. • Confidentiality is protected for you and your parents. • Compensation is $75 for a 2-3 hour interview and a blood draw For more information please contact us at (212) 543-5364 or CUOCGAS@gmail.com. If emailing, please include a phone number where we can reach you.