OCD is a persistent mental illness that affects 1-2% of the population and is often severe and highly distressing. The illness frequently leads to social isolation, interpersonal difficulties, functional impairment, and financial problems. OCD symptoms include obsessions (persistent intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviours often driven by the content of obsessions).
Typically, OCD starts in early adulthood and persists throughout life, causing extreme illness burden. While medication and psychological therapy can improve symptoms, these interventions are ineffective for many individuals. There is an urgent need to advance knowledge on the neural causes of OCD to develop new diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as effective targeted interventions.
RESEARCH FOCUS
- understanding the neural mechanisms causing changes in brain networks anatomy and activity in OCD
- identifying the distinct neural mechanisms underpinning diversity in OCD symptoms
- development and trialing of new therapeutic brain stimulation techniques for OCD. We are actively recruiting participants.