Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder CRP

David Rosenberg, M.D.
Director
9B UHC
Phone: (313) 577-7752

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, ritualistic thoughts and behaviors over which the person typically has very little if any control. It is a severe and chronically disabling disorder with significant morbidity. In recent, years the condition has been recognized as being more common than previously believed with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 3%. Thus, it is 3 times more common than schizophrenia and manic depressive illness but surprisingly little study has been conducted on OCD.

The Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Clinical Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences has as its goal the expansion of our knowledge base about OCD and the development of more effective treatment interventions.

This program conducts many clinical research studies in patients across the lifespan from childhood through adulthood. Sophisticated brain imaging studies including MRI and PET are utilized as well as comprehensive neurobehavioral and neuropsychological assessments. In order to develop better treatment for the condition, we have ongoing clinical research treatment programs for OCD which involve development of new drugs and focus on developing new treatments for previously refractory OCD patients. In addition, we are now measuring brain function and chemistry before, during and after treatment to better delineate the mechanisms involved in OCD as well as begin to understand and ultimately predict who will and will not respond to specific interventions.

Neuropsychological functioning is also monitored before and after treatment to delineate the impact of psychotropic medication on neuropsychological functioning (i.e, no change, improvement or worsening). This is an area that has not been studied and is important because no one knows the long-term impact of drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions. All research is conducted with a strict regard for the comfort and well being of our patients. Our program's goal is to improve the diagnosis and treatment and ultimate functioning of person's afflicted with this devastating, chronic and disabling condition.

Our program is staffed by a board certified psychiatrist and child psychiatrist, research associates, registered nurse. Our services include comprehensive clinical assessments and treatment and the opportunity to participate in our clinical research studies which are related to treatment.