Pairing tVNS and Exposure and Response Prevention to Improve Symptoms of OCD
University of Florida
Summary
In the proposed investigation, the investigator will develop pilot data for the use of tVNS (transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation) to enhance efficacy of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) to improve treatment success in patients with OCD. This data will include tolerability information from therapists and patients with OCD, effect sizes on real world clinical outcomes for the combinatory treatment, and mechanistic data on brain changes associated with treatment.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults between the ages of 18 and 55 * Meet DSM-5 criteria for OCD, based on a structured clinical interview and who have a YBOCS score of 15 or higher, indicating at least moderate OCD severity * Participants must be willing and able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with major neurological conditions, autism spectrum disorder, psychosis, major uncorrected sensory deficit, and severe medical disease that may be associated with neurological effects. * People with an active eating disorder that requires treatment, but we will not exclude pe…
Interventions
- DeviceSham
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) paired ERP/Sham YBOCs(Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) (4,8,12) OCI-R (every other session). YBOCs and OCI-R will also be administered at intake and 4 weeks post treatment.
- DevicetVNS
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) paired ERP/tVNS YBOC's (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) (4, 8, 12) OCI-R (every other session). YBOCs and OCI-R will also be administered at intake and 4 weeks post treatment.
Location
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida