Information Processing using Functional Neuroimaging and Virtual Reality Paradigms in Heightened Illness Concern, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Controls. (IRB# 5356)
Overview of the study: The purpose of this study is to better understand the biology of people with Heightened Illness Concern (HIC) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with Heightened Illness Concern have a great deal of disease-related anxiety and bothersome physical symptoms that do not go away with medical treatment. People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder have recurrent unwanted thoughts and/or behaviors. We also are looking for people to participate who have neither of these conditions.
This study uses a technology known as functional Magnetic Resonance Imagery (fMRI) to create pictures of the brain while you do an activity, such as play a video game. This is not a treatment study, meaning participating in this study is not expected to improve your mental state. If you were referred to this study by another study, your participation in this study will not interfere with your participation in the other study. The study consists of 3 visits and you will be compensated a total of $140 after completing the fMRI on the last visit.
What happens during the 3 visits The clinical interviews, physical exam and blood tests, neuropsychological tests and the MRI scan will take place at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY. The first visit, the screening visit, is to confirm your eligibility by a clinician and takes between one to three hours. During that visit you will fill out some questionnaires, sign a consent form, and have a brief physical and personal interview with one of our MDs. As part of routine screening for the study, we may also need to draw some blood and check a urine sample. If the person is participating in another ongoing study in our department, this will not need to be repeated if recently done. Once you have been determined to be eligible for this study you will be scheduled for a second visit to be given a selection of psychological tests or games, which assess concentration, memory, and coordination through puzzles and simple computer games. These tests may take up to 2 to 3 hours of your time. You will be compensated $40 for completion of the neuropsychological testing. The third visit is when the brain-imaging scan is done, which takes one to two hours to complete. You will be asked to do some simple things during the scan like move a finger, watch a TV screen, or push a button. A member of the research team will be present throughout the scan and you may stop the scan at any time if you feel uncomfortable. You will not be charged for any of the procedures that are part of this study including the clinical interviews, tests of coordination and concentration, or MRI scan. If you are determined to be eligible for the study after the initial screening visit and decide to participate, you will be compensated $40 for completion of the neuropsychological testing, as mentioned before, and $100 after completing the MRI. All checks are sent by mail.
Who is eligible? In general, people who suffer from heightened illness concern and obsessive-compulsive disorder between the ages of 18-75 in fairly stable physical health. We are also looking for people that have neither condition and are otherwise healthy.
How do I find out more information about this research study? The study is being done in New York City at Columbia University Medical Center. To find out more information and to determine if you are eligible for this study please contact Emily at 212-543-5542 or Katy at 212-543-5422 or contact our study staff by email at illnessconcern@aol.com.
Status of study: currently accepting patients for enrollment
Click here to find out information on our additional comparative treatment study.
