Transcranial ultrasound stimulation for modulating action monitoring and decision-making in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
What is the study about?
The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) on neural processes involved in cognitive control and decision-making. TUS is a method that can be used to stimulate the brain from the outside (non-invasively). Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder show changes in certain brain regions compared to healthy individuals. These deviating activity patterns will be modulated and investigated in this study. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to record electrophysiological fluctuations of the brain, which allow us to extract temporally precise patterns of brain activity while a task is being performed. We will use those techniques to investigate possibilities for temporarily modulating behavior and neural activity.
Who are we looking for?
Healthy control participants
- Age: 18-40 years
- Language: fluent English or German
- No previous neurological/psychiatric disease
- Willingness and time to reliably attend several appointments in Magdeburg
Participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Age: 18-40 years
- Language: fluent English or German
- Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (F42.X) given by a psychiatrist/psychotherapist
- No other neurological/psychiatric disorders (in case of doubt, feel free to contact us, we will conduct a detailed screening)
- Willingness and time to reliably attend several appointments in Magdeburg
How will the study be conducted?
- Psychological test diagnostics
- One appointment for brain imaging using MRI at Magdeburg University Clinic
- Three appointments for brain stimulation (TUS) followed by a computer task and measurement of brain activity (EEG) at the Institute of Psychology (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg)
What are the benefits of participating in the study?
- You will gain insights into state-of-the-art research methods in neuroscience/psychology
- Take a look at your brain (no diagnosis!)
- Help research to develop therapeutic methods for serious mental illnesses
- You will receive above-average compensation for your participation of €12.50 per hour (plus travel expenses for patients from outside Magdeburg)
How can you participate?
Please contact us with your name and contact details (telephone number, email address):
Tel: +49 (0)391 67 58478
Email: fused-neuropsychologie@ovgu.de
We will invite you for a detailed screening to determine whether you are eligible to participate in the study.
