Rogers Memorial Hospital Seeking OCD Clinical Research Participants

Posted on 10/10/16 01:36:pm

(Oconomowoc, Wis.) Rogers Memorial Hospital is seeking participants for a clinical research study to test a software program delivered as a smart phone application. Based on previous research, the program was proven to be clinically effective when delivered on a laptop or desktop.

Research participants will attend eight one-hour research sessions, two times per week, for four weeks, and will be compensated. Prospective participants must:

• Be 18 to 65 (male or female)
• Have OCD, may also be taking OCD medications (must be stable for 90 days)
• Not be currently enrolled in treatment (if previously treated, must be post treatment for 90 days)

“Research tells us if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you likely also have attention bias, which is a tendency to focus on things related to your anxiety,” says Bradley Riemann, PhD, clinical director of the OCD Center and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) services. “Many of us spend too much time focused on our worries instead of enjoying the present moment, but with OCD, your intrusive fears can go well beyond the everyday typical concerns.”

• Common OCD-related anxieties that can disrupt daily life include unwanted, persistent:
• Thoughts surrounding contamination, religion, sex, doubt, exactness or symmetry
• Behaviors related to washing, checking, counting, repeating, mental rituals, ordering or arranging

Before beginning the study, each participant will be interviewed on their anxiety symptoms. Researchers will then adjust the software to offer a customized program for each participant that uses words specific to their individual anxiety situation.

Of course, the results of the study do not suggest programs, such as this one, will replace face-to-face therapy. “These programs may be a useful tool for many and increase accessibility to affordable, anxiety-reducing strategies and may provide an alternative approach to complement behavioral therapy,” says Dr. Riemann.

Call 414-865-2600 or click here for details on this clinical research opportunity or for registration information.