# Neuromodulation of OCD Circuitry

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2022 · $353,339

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The overall goal of this project is to study three direct circuit based interventions for intractable OCD to (1)
advance our understanding of the neurocircuitry of the disorder and to (2) leverage that understanding in order
to develop individualized approaches to treatment that will improve safety and efficacy. Our first aim is to
examine the effects of MRI guided laser thermal ventral capsulotomy in twenty patients with intractable OCD
using diffusion imaging to identify cortifugal axons affected by the lesions in individuals that are related to
treatment response. We will also study the effects of lesions on individual resting state and task based (PAAT)
functional connectivity and their relationship to treatment outcome measures. We will utilize novel acquisition
and analytic algorithms for individuals designed by Cores B and C as well as interact with Projects 1, 3 and 4
to identify false negatives and positives in the diffusion scans and to compare imaging results in patients
undergoing intensive non-surgical treatments to those with lesions. The second aim is to conduct a pilot
feasibility study, using a double blind crossover design, of a dual DBS implant in the vALIC and anterior
cingulate bundle. The Medtronic Percept system will allow stimulation and recording of LFPs, in four patients
with intractable OCD. We will stimulate and record in the vALIC and anterior cingulate, using pre-implant
diffusion imaging and electric field modeling to identify which tracts are being activated. We will study the
effects of stimulation at different contacts on the PAAT, and compare this to results obtained with
electrophysiological recordings in the primate. Leveraging methodology developed by our collaborators (U
Goodman, Dougherty) we will identify potential biomarkers of OCD provocation and treatment response. We
will interact with Project 1 and 2 to compare anatomic and electrophysiological results across humans and
primates as well as Cores B and C for imaging acquisition and analysis. Our third aim is to leverage ongoing
studies of low intensity focused ultrasound in twenty-four patients with intractable OCD (Dougherty, Goodman
PIs) and obtain pre post diffusion and task based (PAAT) functional imaging in those patients. We will compare
these results to those found in lesions and DBS in the vALIC target and draw on CORE B and C as well as
Project 1 and 2 to compare imaging results with nonsurgical OC subjects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10411711
- **Project number:** 2P50MH106435-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** STEVEN A RASMUSSEN
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $353,339
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2015-06-01 → 2027-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10411711

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10411711, Neuromodulation of OCD Circuitry (2P50MH106435-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10411711. Licensed CC0.

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