Participate in Research
Research is essential to innovate targeted treatments and to gain insights into the brain basis of OCD and related disorders. What we know about OCD to date is driven by generous individuals who have actively participated in clinical research studies. If you would like to partner with us to help others and pave the way for better treatments, we invite you to read below about our current studies (some are fully remote). We look forward to discussing our studies with you. We can be reached via email at ocdresearch@stanford.edu or by phone at 650-723-4095.
You will have the opportunity for a confidential screening and evaluation to determine whether you are eligible for one of our studies. Through our research, you may receive compensation and/or treatment. Any treatment you receive as part of your study participation is provided at no cost to you. If none of the current studies are a match for you, we will facilitate connection to educational materials, referrals, and support groups; as well as contact you in the future (if you desire) with information about additional research studies.
Current Studies
How Ketamine Brings About Rapid OCD Improvement
Building on our lab’s prior work showing ketamine brings about rapid (within hours) reduction of OCD symptoms in half of those who receive a single dose of ketamine, this study will be the first to test ketamine’s opioid properties in modulating fronto-striatal cognitive control circuits and anti-obsessional effects. Eligible participants with OCD (ages 18 ‒ 65) will receive a single infusion of low-dose ketamine, randomization to either pill placebo or drug that blocks opioid pathway, and two MRI brain scans. After completing research procedures, participants with OCD may be eligible for treatment through our clinic or research studies.
Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Enrolling: *NEW STUDY* Fall 2023- Spring 2028 (5-year study), in-person
Seeking Healthy Controls
We are seeking individuals who have no history of psychiatric disorders to serve as controls in our studies listed above. Studies may involve diagnostic interviews, MRI brain scans, and computer games. Compensation provided for time and travel.
FLEX Study: Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in OCD
The oral medicine dextromethorphan (brand names including Robitussin, Delsym) has long been used as an over-the-counter non-prescription treatment for cough. In recent years, it has also been combined with other medicines to create FDA-approved prescription treatments: Neudexta for neurologic disorders and Auvelity for major depressive disorder.
Dextromethorphan has a glutamate-based mechanism of action that suggests it may be a helpful medicine for OCD and related disorders, though it has never been studied as an OCD treatment. We are testing whether the combination of dextromethorphan and fluoxetine (Prozac) may decrease symptoms of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. We are seeking individuals between 18 to 65 with symptoms of OCD, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), or somatic symptom disorder (SSD) to take part in an eight-week, open-label study of the combination of fluoxetine and dextromethorphan vs fluoxetine alone. Eligible participants may be using fluoxetine currently or not taking any medication. This study is fully remote, with all assessments and study visits taking place via secure videoconference.
Funding: The Miller Foundation
Enrolling: Ongoing, fully remote
Noninvasive Neurostimulation in OCD
This study tests whether a noninvasive, brief activation of the vestibular (balance) system may influence the strength of obsessive thoughts and relieve distress. Participants (ages 18 ‒ 65) with OCD or the related disorders body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), or somatic symptom disorder (SSD) will undergo eligibility screening, including psychological evaluation and a physical exam. Study participation involves two sessions of noninvasive stimulation of the vestibular system, EEG (brain wave) recording during a computer-based test of attention, and psychological assessment, and is compensated.
Funding: Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Enrolling: Ongoing, in-person
MDMA-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for OCD
This study investigates the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of MDMA-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in participants with OCD. Eligible participants (ages 18‒65) with OCD will be randomized to receive either a single dose of MDMA or an active control drug plus 10 exposure therapy sessions over the following two weeks. OCD symptoms will be monitored for 4 weeks after the completion of therapy. This study will require 2-3 in-person visits; the remaining follow-ups will be completed remotely via secure videoconference.
Funding: New Venture Fund
Enrolling: *NEW STUDY* ongoing, in-person
Pilot Study of the Glutamate AMPAR Modulator RR-HNK in OCD
This study explores whether the drug RR-HNK (a metabolite of ketamine that has no anesthetic and dissociative activity) relieves symptoms of OCD, such as repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Eligible participants with OCD (ages 18-65) will be randomized to receive a single infusion of RR-HNK or the placebo (saline), with EEG (brain wave) recording before and after the infusion. OCD symptoms will be monitored for 4 weeks.
Funding: Donor Funding
Enrolling: *NEW STUDY* ongoing, in-person
Understanding Suicide Attempt Risk Factors
We are seeking individuals who have had active suicidal thoughts in the past month. This study aims to understand and identify risk factors that may indicate risk for suicide attempts among adults with suicidal ideation. Eligible individuals (ages 18 to 65) will be invited to participate in online assessments and two follow-up phone calls. This study is entirely remote.
Funding: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Enrolling: Ongoing, fully remote
Contact: itsastudy@stanford.edu or 650-497-2577
NOOC Study: Efficacy of Nitrous Oxide in OCD
The inhaled anesthetic nitrous oxide (known to many as “laughing gas”) has a mechanism of action similar to that of ketamine, and, like ketamine, has been shown in randomized trials to rapidly improve symptoms of depression. Given the established safety profile and ease of use of nitrous oxide, we are studying whether nitrous oxide may rapidly decrease symptoms of OCD. We are seeking individuals with OCD, ages 18 to 65, who are not taking medications to participate in a randomized, controlled trial of nitrous oxide treatment for symptoms of OCD. Study participation lasts for two to four weeks. Participants who benefit from nitrous oxide inhalation may be eligible for a second phase of the study investigating how nitrous oxide brings about improvement in OCD symptoms.
Funding: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Enrolling: Ongoing, in-person
Rapid Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Hoarding Disorder (TMS-HOLA)
This study evaluates the feasibility a of non-invasive brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TBS), to test whether it may decrease hoarding disorder symptoms. Participants (ages 18-70) with hoarding disorder will undergo eligibility screening. Study participation includes 6 days of TBS within a 14-day period. The active TBS study of treatment involves stimulating the frontal pole (part of the brain behind the front head) with a device that has a magnet that produces a magnetic field delivered in short pulses or bursts. These pulses or bursts are focused on an area of the brain that is thought to be involved in hoarding disorder symptoms. As the magnet rapidly turns on and off, the electrical currents in the brain tend to synchronize with the magnet.
For this study, we will be using the MagPro TBS Research System, which is FDA-cleared for theta-burst stimulation for depression. However, the TBS study treatment is not FDA approved for hoarding disorder.
Funding: Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute- Human Neuro Pilot Grants
Koret Human Neurosciences Lab
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Enrolling: *NEW STUDY* ongoing, in-person