Cognitive Training in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This unique study will allow us to observe the neural correlates associated with working memory in an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) paradigm. We believe that developing working memory in participants suffering with OCD will reduce the severity of their symptomology. This will allow a greater understanding into the functioning of these participants which in turn presents with treatment possibilities.

Detailed Description
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It is currently unclear whether cognitive training using a working memory task, is effective in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and neuropsychological deficits in patients with OCD. Two groups (OCD and control) will be recruited. Both groups will undergo an intervention consisting of 8 weeks of cognitive training. Working memory, neuropsychological functioning and OCD symptomatology will be assessed pre and post-treatment, in both groups. Furthermore neuroimaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be conducted at baseline as well as at the end of the 8 week period in both groups. The scan will serve to show any structural or functional changes in the frontostriatal area involved with working memory. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to date to examine whether cognitive training improves symptoms in OCD.

Official Title
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Cognitive Training in Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Conditions
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: n-Back (Cognitive Training)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: A primary diagnosis of OCD, with a score > 16 on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) (Goodman et al, 1989b, 1006-1011). Participants must be aged older than 18 and younger than 65 years. Right handed. If taking SSRI's the participant needs to be on a stable dose for at least 2 months. Exclusion Criteria: Significant physical or neurological illnesses. An exception will be made for patients taking SSRI's (and not using any other drugs). Any significant current DSM disorder (in addition to OCD). Past history of significant substance or alcohol abuse. Pregnancy. Any metal pins/ prostheses or cardiac pacemakers. Sufferers of claustrophobia. Head injury

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Cognitive Training<br>Cognitive Training - n Back. | Behavioral: n-Back (Cognitive Training)<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) |  | Immediately after intervention | 
| Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery (CANTAB) |  | Immediately after intervention |