Tracking Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms and predicting response to treatment using Fitbit, neuroimaging, and smartphone surveys.

Purpose

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic, impairing disorder characterized by unwanted obsessions and/or compulsions. Not all persons with OCD are alike, resulting in a wide variety of symptoms, illness course, and response to treatment. The purpose of our OCD research study is to better understand differences in OCD symptoms and to predict both illness course and response to treatment. By comparing data from participants with OCD and healthy volunteers without OCD, we hope to provide enhanced treatments to future patients.

Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder; OCD; Wearable device; smartphone; biosensor; Fitbit; Mobile; Surveys; EMA; Brain Imaging; MRI

Study Sites

Keck School of Medicine of USC 90089

 
  • Men & Women
Age icon
18 - 60
 
 
For more information and to see if you are eligible to participate, please contact: Dr. Adam Frank (adam.frank@med.usc.edu), study Principal Investigator or study personnel by phone/voicemail at (323) 442-4042 or 323-230-0162.
 

What's involved?

Study length

  • 10 weeks

Number of visits

  • 3 in-person visits (initial visit, 2-week checkup, end-of-study visit).

  • Daily survey sent via SMS-based text messaging (~5min).

  • Biweekly survey sent via SMS-based text messaging (~1min).

Prescription
    None
Procedures

  • Surveys (in-person and self-administered)

  • Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

  • Fitbit worn 24/7

  • For individuals with OCD, we will ask when SSRI medication is started by your doctor and if changes are made (like adjusting the dose or switching to a new medication)

Compensation

  • Participants will receive compensation for their time and effort and will be able to keep the Fitbit at the study end.

Medical cost coverage

  • None

Why participate?

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Your participation in this study may help us learn more about the types of OCD and help predict treatment responses, which could improve treatment outcomes for other individuals in the future.

Eligibility

Must have

  • Individual's age is between 18-60
  • Willing to wear a Fitbit smartwatch 24/7 and receive fMRI scans
  • Have a diagnosis of OCD or not have a psychiatric diagnosis ("healthy volunteer")
  • If you are an individuals diagnosed with OCD, you must be willing to start taking an SSRI type antidepressant prescribed by your doctor

Can't have

  • Any other psychiatric condition/s more impairing than OCD
  • Have taken an SSRI medication in the last 6 months
  • Active suicidal thoughts with plan to commit suicide and intention to act on plan
  • Recent experiences of seeing things that others don't see and/or hearing things that others don't hear
  • Substance addiction interfering with relationships and/or work

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away

  • Call 911 for emergency services.
  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.

Additional information and resources can be found at:
- https://988lifeline.org/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/Crisis-Hotlines--Resources.aspx

Study Team

Photohandler
Principal Investigator
Adam Frank

For questions about this study, contact:

  • IRB number: HS-21-00835
  • Study posted on: TBD
  • Recruitment period: March 2023-March 2024

Research study materials

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