ocd research paper topics

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

• You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
• You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
• You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
• A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.

Suggestions or feedback?

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Machine learning
• Sustainability
• Black holes
• Classes and programs

Departments

• Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Architecture
• Political Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Centers, Labs, & Programs

• Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
• Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
• Lincoln Laboratory
• School of Architecture + Planning
• School of Engineering
• School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
• Sloan School of Management
• School of Science
• MIT Schwarzman College of Computing

Study reveals the benefits and downside of fasting

Press contact :, media download.

*Terms of Use:

Images for download on the MIT News office website are made available to non-commercial entities, press and the general public under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives license . You may not alter the images provided, other than to crop them to size. A credit line must be used when reproducing images; if one is not provided below, credit the images to "MIT."

Previous image Next image

Low-calorie diets and intermittent fasting have been shown to have numerous health benefits: They can delay the onset of some age-related diseases and lengthen lifespan, not only in humans but many other organisms.

Many complex mechanisms underlie this phenomenon. Previous work from MIT has shown that one way fasting exerts its beneficial effects is by boosting the regenerative abilities of intestinal stem cells, which helps the intestine recover from injuries or inflammation.

In a study of mice, MIT researchers have now identified the pathway that enables this enhanced regeneration, which is activated once the mice begin “refeeding” after the fast. They also found a downside to this regeneration: When cancerous mutations occurred during the regenerative period, the mice were more likely to develop early-stage intestinal tumors.

“Having more stem cell activity is good for regeneration, but too much of a good thing over time can have less favorable consequences,” says Omer Yilmaz, an MIT associate professor of biology, a member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and the senior author of the new study.

Yilmaz adds that further studies are needed before forming any conclusion as to whether fasting has a similar effect in humans.

“We still have a lot to learn, but it is interesting that being in either the state of fasting or refeeding when exposure to mutagen occurs can have a profound impact on the likelihood of developing a cancer in these well-defined mouse models,” he says.

MIT postdocs Shinya Imada and Saleh Khawaled are the lead authors of the paper, which appears today in Nature .

Driving regeneration

For several years, Yilmaz’s lab has been investigating how fasting and low-calorie diets affect intestinal health. In a 2018 study , his team reported that during a fast, intestinal stem cells begin to use lipids as an energy source, instead of carbohydrates. They also showed that fasting led to a significant boost in stem cells’ regenerative ability.

However, unanswered questions remained: How does fasting trigger this boost in regenerative ability, and when does the regeneration begin?

“Since that paper, we’ve really been focused on understanding what is it about fasting that drives regeneration,” Yilmaz says. “Is it fasting itself that’s driving regeneration, or eating after the fast?”

In their new study, the researchers found that stem cell regeneration is suppressed during fasting but then surges during the refeeding period. The researchers followed three groups of mice — one that fasted for 24 hours, another one that fasted for 24 hours and then was allowed to eat whatever they wanted during a 24-hour refeeding period, and a control group that ate whatever they wanted throughout the experiment.

The researchers analyzed intestinal stem cells’ ability to proliferate at different time points and found that the stem cells showed the highest levels of proliferation at the end of the 24-hour refeeding period. These cells were also more proliferative than intestinal stem cells from mice that had not fasted at all.

“We think that fasting and refeeding represent two distinct states,” Imada says. “In the fasted state, the ability of cells to use lipids and fatty acids as an energy source enables them to survive when nutrients are low. And then it’s the postfast refeeding state that really drives the regeneration. When nutrients become available, these stem cells and progenitor cells activate programs that enable them to build cellular mass and repopulate the intestinal lining.”

Further studies revealed that these cells activate a cellular signaling pathway known as mTOR, which is involved in cell growth and metabolism. One of mTOR’s roles is to regulate the translation of messenger RNA into protein, so when it’s activated, cells produce more protein. This protein synthesis is essential for stem cells to proliferate.

The researchers showed that mTOR activation in these stem cells also led to production of large quantities of polyamines — small molecules that help cells to grow and divide.

“In the refed state, you’ve got more proliferation, and you need to build cellular mass. That requires more protein, to build new cells, and those stem cells go on to build more differentiated cells or specialized intestinal cell types that line the intestine,” Khawaled says.

Too much of a good thing

The researchers also found that when stem cells are in this highly regenerative state, they are more prone to become cancerous. Intestinal stem cells are among the most actively dividing cells in the body, as they help the lining of the intestine completely turn over every five to 10 days. Because they divide so frequently, these stem cells are the most common source of precancerous cells in the intestine.

In this study, the researchers discovered that if they turned on a cancer-causing gene in the mice during the refeeding stage, they were much more likely to develop precancerous polyps than if the gene was turned on during the fasting state. Cancer-linked mutations that occurred during the refeeding state were also much more likely to produce polyps than mutations that occurred in mice that did not undergo the cycle of fasting and refeeding.

“I want to emphasize that this was all done in mice, using very well-defined cancer mutations. In humans it’s going to be a much more complex state,” Yilmaz says. “But it does lead us to the following notion: Fasting is very healthy, but if you’re unlucky and you’re refeeding after a fasting, and you get exposed to a mutagen, like a charred steak or something, you might actually be increasing your chances of developing a lesion that can go on to give rise to cancer.”

Yilmaz also noted that the regenerative benefits of fasting could be significant for people who undergo radiation treatment, which can damage the intestinal lining, or other types of intestinal injury. His lab is now studying whether polyamine supplements could help to stimulate this kind of regeneration, without the need to fast.

“This fascinating study provides insights into the complex interplay between food consumption, stem cell biology, and cancer risk,” says Ophir Klein, a professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who was not involved in the study. “Their work lays a foundation for testing polyamines as compounds that may augment intestinal repair after injuries, and it suggests that careful consideration is needed when planning diet-based strategies for regeneration to avoid increasing cancer risk.”

The research was funded, in part, by a Pew-Stewart Trust Scholar award, the Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, the Koch Institute-Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Bridge Project, and the MIT Stem Cell Initiative.

Share this news article on:

Press mentions, medical news today.

A new study led by researchers at MIT suggests that fasting and then refeeding stimulates cell regeneration in the intestines, reports Katharine Lang for Medical News Today . However, notes Lang, researchers also found that fasting “carries the risk of stimulating the formation of intestinal tumors.” 

MIT researchers have discovered how fasting impacts the regenerative abilities of intestinal stem cells, reports Ed Cara for Gizmodo . “The major finding of our current study is that refeeding after fasting is a distinct state from fasting itself,” explain Prof. Ömer Yilmaz and postdocs Shinya Imada and Saleh Khawaled. “Post-fasting refeeding augments the ability of intestinal stem cells to, for example, repair the intestine after injury.” 

Prof. Ömer Yilmaz and his colleagues have discovered the potential health benefits and consequences of fasting, reports Max Kozlov for Nature . “There is so much emphasis on fasting and how long to be fasting that we’ve kind of overlooked this whole other side of the equation: what is going on in the refed state,” says Yilmaz.

Previous item Next item

Related Links

• Omer Yilmaz
• Koch Institute
• Department of Biology

Related Topics

Related articles.

How early-stage cancer cells hide from the immune system

Study links certain metabolites to stem cell function in the intestine

Fasting boosts stem cells’ regenerative capacity

How diet influences colon cancer

More mit news.

Designing better delivery for medical therapies

Read full story →

Making a measurable economic impact

Faces of MIT: Jessica Tam

First AI + Education Summit is an international push for “AI fluency”

President Kornbluth welcomes the Class of 2028

Scientists find neurons that process language on different timescales

• More news on MIT News homepage →

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA

• Map (opens in new window)
• Events (opens in new window)
• People (opens in new window)
• Careers (opens in new window)
• Accessibility
• Social Media Hub
• MIT on Facebook
• MIT on YouTube
• MIT on Instagram

• Announcing this year’s winners of the IOCDF Research Grants

Posted August 22, 2024

The IOCDF is proud to announce the five winners of the 2024 Research Grant Awards, who received almost $700,000 in funding thanks to the grassroots support of our donors. 

A record-breaking total of 98 proposals were submitted by research teams from almost 20 countries around the world. The five winning grants summarized below were selected through a highly competitive peer-review process involving a panel of 81 top researchers reviewing grants in their areas of expertise. The most highly rated projects in the first round were then subjected to a second round of scrutiny from the full committee.

This year also saw the first official Topic of Interest — “Increasing Access to Treatment for All.” Although evidence-based treatments such as ERP and medications are effective, they are currently not accessible to all people with OCD due to factors such as distance from providers, cost, misinformation, and stigma. Many people from underserved and minority communities face barriers to receiving effective and potentially life-saving treatments. We launched the Topic of Interest to receive proposals related to improving access to treatment for underserved and underrepresented groups (such as rural communities, people with lower socioeconomic status, and racial, ethnic, and sexual and gender minority groups). Proposals for other topics in OCD and related disorders were accepted as well.

Breakthrough Award

The goal of the five-year Breakthrough Award is to support innovative and potentially groundbreaking projects — high-impact science that could make a profound impact on the field and accelerate progress toward new and more effective treatments for OCD . This award was made possible through the generosity of the Selig Family.

Insights into the pathophysiology of obsessive compulsive disorder from single-cell analysis of the human brain

Primary Investigator : Steven McCarroll, PhD Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA) Award Amount: $500,000

Although neuroimaging has generated insights into which brain regions are thought to be affected in people with OCD, the underlying cellular and molecular changes are still unknown. Using brain tissue donated at the end of life by 50 people with OCD and controls, this study will identify specific cell populations and genes that are altered in people with OCD by analyzing hundreds of thousands of individual cells from three brain regions. These regions — the caudate nucleus, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex — will be analyzed using novel technology that can identify which genes each individual cell is using, and recognize biological states and changes in these cells.

Data will be shared broadly to support the community of scientists studying OCD, enabling all researchers to query the data to answer questions about changes in specific genes and cell populations in OCD. This study will potentially deepen our understanding of the biology underlying OCD and generate new ideas for OCD medicines and therapies.

Michael A. Jenike Young Investigator Awards

Awardees are promising early-career researchers who are working to establish themselves in the field of OCD and related disorders. Four awardees with projects about increasing treatment access for Black Americans, investigating the genetics of OCD and tics, understanding ERP cognition, and training rural clinicians in ERP received funding from thousands of individual donors who contribute to the IOCDF Research Grant Fund every year. 

Utilizing community-based approaches to increase treatment access for Black Americans with OCD: Evaluating the feasibility of The Black and Living with OCd (BLOC) Project, a culturally-informed web-based multimedia program

Principal Investigator: Ogechi Onyeka, PhD Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) Award Amount: $49,959.00 Submitted for the 2024 Topic of Interest

Although both Black Americans and European Americans experience OCD at similar rates, OCD remains undertreated within the Black community. Several obstacles to treatment (i.e., ERP) have been identified such as treatment costs, limited awareness of treatment, and stigma. However, few studies have examined how to best address these challenges.

Online tools such as interactive educational websites with videos and vignettes may be a helpful approach in increasing treatment awareness and access to the specialized treatment required for OCD. This study aims to address these challenges by developing and evaluating a pilot, publicly available, culturally-sensitive online program for Black Americans with OCD called The Black and Living with OCd (BLOC) Project. This study will use community-based participatory approaches to directly engage Black American adults with OCD and clinicians treating minority populations to understand lived experiences and barriers to treatment, and develop and evaluate The BLOC Project for Black Americans with OCD.

Is tic-related OCD genetically different from OCD without tics?

Principal Investigator: Nora Strom Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (Munich, Germany) Award Amount: $49,649.52

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychological disorder that is related to OCD, and is characterized by sudden, repetitive movements and/or sounds called tics. Some people with OCD also experience tics, leading to a condition known as tic-related OCD. This combination of symptoms presents unique challenges, as the distinction between OCD-related compulsions and tics can be difficult. People with tic-related OCD are usually younger when the symptoms start, present very specific OCD symptoms, and more men than women are affected.

People with tic-related OCD may experience unique challenges in treatment effectiveness compared to those with OCD or TS alone. What sets these individuals with tic-related OCD apart from those with only OCD or TS?

This study will explore if OCD with tics is different from OCD without tics in terms of genetics. Large sets of genetic data from people with OCD, TS or both disorders will be analyzed to find similarities and differences of genes in these groups. The aim is to explore whether there are specific genetic patterns for people with tic-related OCD compared to those with only OCD or TS. The study will also look at how these patterns relate to other conditions, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism. By understanding these genetic differences, better ways to diagnose and personalize the treatment of OCD, TS, and their combination could be developed.

Who learns from OCD exposures? Investigating pessimistic learning rates and cognitive immunization during expectancy violation

Principal Investigator: Amelia Dev, MS University of Miami (Miami, FL) Award Amount: $49,320.00 Submitted for the 2024 Topic of Interest

Although exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most effective psychological treatment for OCD, only half of patients will reach symptom remission after completing it. Understanding the mechanism behind ERP is important to figure out how to improve this treatment. One theory of how ERP helps people with OCD is through expectancy violation, the process in which an individual’s prediction (or expectation) is disproven, allowing them to change their beliefs. Current research suggests that people with OCD may have difficulty learning and changing their beliefs — they may be unable to learn from expectancy violation during ERP, preventing them from changing their obsessive beliefs and ultimately preventing symptom improvement. There is a major gap in existing research, as no studies have tested factors that could impact whether people with OCD successfully learn from ERP.

This study will test two factors which may impact how well ERP works for people with OCD: pessimistic learning and cognitive immunization. Pessimistic learning is when a person changes beliefs more readily in response to negative, rather than positive, feedback or outcomes. Cognitive immunization is when one interprets inconsistent evidence in a way that fits their expectations without altering their beliefs. Participants with OCD will complete an online ERP treatment, and we will collect real-time data from them during exposure exercises to measure their expectancies and the outcomes of their exposures. This data will be used to see if those who are more prone to pessimistic learning and cognitive immunization will not benefit as much from ERP. Several technological advancements, including artificial-intelligence-based natural language processing (NLP) techniques, will be used to analyze data more robustly. Results from this study will ultimately guide the creation of stronger therapies for OCD, and signpost the path for future research with NLP to provide powerful, real-time insights to patients and clinicians during ERP.

Co-delivered exposure with response prevention in Outback Australia: A novel training model to increase access to evidence-based care for OCD in rural settings

Principal Investigator: Katelyn Dyason, PhD University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) Award Amount: $47,856.40 Submitted for the 2024 Topic of Interest

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is highly effective for treating children and adolescents with OCD, with up to 70% improving from treatment. Unfortunately, there is a well-documented lack of clinicians who provide high-quality ERP, leading to a treatment gap that is particularly felt in rural and remote areas. In Australia, there are no identified OCD specialists more than 100 kilometers from a metropolitan area. 

Training and supporting more clinicians to address this access barrier is complex and challenging, and we do not know how much more is required to make this training effective. This study will develop and test a new method to train rural clinicians in ERP, where they observe an expert clinician from a metropolitan-based OCD speciality hub deliver ERP and then slowly transition to delivering this treatment themselves with supervision from the expert clinician. In this way, the expert clinician and rural clinician will “co-deliver” ERP to rural clients. The expert clinician will join the session via telehealth, and the rural clinician will be face-to-face with their rural client to assist with ERP tasks. Six rural clinicians will be trained and twelve rural young people with OCD will receive this co-delivered telehealth ERP. The goal of this co-delivery mode is to significantly improve clinicians’ knowledge about ERP, competency and confidence delivering it, increase intentions to implement ERP with future clients, and significantly decrease negative attitudes relating to ERP. Additionally, it is hoped that the co-delivered telehealth ERP will significantly reduce clients’ symptoms, functional impact, and family accommodation of OCD. The study will allow rural young people with OCD to receive specialist ERP treatment that would otherwise be inaccessible to them, and will hopefully result in rural clinicians who are trained and competent to continue delivering ERP, benefitting many future children and adolescents in their care. It will also improve our knowledge about effective ways to train clinicians to competency and increase access to evidence-based OCD treatment in routine clinical practice.  

These research grants are entirely funded through the generosity of donors like you— committed to forwarding research that improves our understanding of and treatments for OCD and related disorders. To help fund next year’s awards, visit iocdf.org/donate-research.

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

International OCD Foundation

Recent Posts

• International OCD Foundation Announces 2024 IOCDF Award Winners at 29th Annual OCD Conference
• Turtles All the Way Down a Win for Accurate OCD Representation
• Which Works Better for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Medication or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
• Why I Love the IOCDF’s Annual OCD Conference

Your gift has the power to change the life of someone living with OCD!

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

Research: How to Build Consensus Around a New Idea

• Devon Proudfoot
• Wayne Johnson

Strategies for overcoming the disagreements that can stymie innovation.

Previous research has found that new ideas are seen as risky and are often rejected. New research suggests that this rejection can be due to people’s lack of shared criteria or reference points when evaluating a potential innovation’s value. In a new paper, the authors find that the more novel the idea, the more people differ on their perception of its value. They also found that disagreement itself can make people view ideas as risky and make them less likely to support them, regardless of how novel the idea is. To help teams get on the same page when it comes to new ideas, they suggest gathering information about evaluator’s reference points and developing criteria that can lead to more focused discussions.

Picture yourself in a meeting where a new idea has just been pitched, representing a major departure from your company’s standard practices. The presenter is confident about moving forward, but their voice is quickly overtaken by a cacophony of opinions from firm opposition to enthusiastic support. How can you make sense of the noise? What weight do you give each of these opinions? And what does this disagreement say about the idea?

• DP Devon Proudfoot is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Studies at Cornell’s ILR School. She studies topics related to diversity and creativity at work.
• Wayne Johnson is a researcher at the Utah Eccles School of Business. He focuses on evaluations and decisions about new information, including persuasion regarding creative ideas and belief change.

Partner Center

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• Systematic Review
• Open access
• Published: 25 August 2024

Immediate and long-term efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tCDS) in obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Luxin Xie 1 , 2 ,
• Peina Hu 1 , 2 ,
• Zhenglong Guo 1 ,
• Miao Chen 1 ,
• Xiao Wang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2842-4975 1 , 3 ,
• Xinzhe Du 1 , 3 ,
• Yue Li 1 , 3 ,
• Bo Chen 4 ,
• Jihui Zhang 4 ,
• Wentao Zhao   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8015-5851 1 , 3 &
• Sha Liu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6710-8126 1 , 3  

Translational Psychiatry volume  14 , Article number:  343 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

185 Accesses

1 Altmetric

Metrics details

• Psychiatric disorders

Currently, there is still debate over the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders (ADs). To investigate the immediate and long-term effectiveness of tDCS in these diseases, we conducted a systematic review and quantitative analysis of existing literature on the treatment of OCD, PTSD, and ADs with tDCS. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched seven electronic databases and systematically retrieved articles published from May 2012 to June 2024 that compared the effects of active tDCS with sham stimulation in the treatment of these disorders. We included primary outcome measures such as the change scores in disorder-specific and general anxiety symptoms before and after treatment, as well as secondary outcomes such as changes in disorder-specific and general anxiety symptoms at follow-up. We also assessed the impact of tDCS on depressive symptoms. Fifteen papers met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the results of meta-analysis indicated that tDCS had a high effect in improving specific symptoms (SMD = −0.73, 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.37) and general anxiety symptoms (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI: −1.23 to −0.26) in OCD, PTSD and ADs, with effects lasting up to 1 month and showing a moderate effect size. Furthermore, tDCS demonstrated immediate and significant alleviation of depressive symptoms in these diseases. This study concludes that tDCS can serve as a non-invasive brain stimulation technology for treating these disorders, and the therapeutic effects can be maintained for a period of time.

Similar content being viewed by others

Efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation as an add-on treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized, sham-controlled trial

Non-invasive brain stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pre-clinical indications of brain stimulation treatments for non-affective psychiatric disorders, a status update

Introduction.

The lifetime prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders (ADs) is approximately 21%, with an annual incidence of 14% [ 1 ]. These disorders share some basic clinical features, including excessive and persistent anxiety, attention bias towards threatening stimuli, hyperarousal and avoidance [ 2 ]. Therefore, the similar approaches would be applied composing drug treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychological intervention with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. However, the side effects of drug and issues such as the cost and commitment limitations of psychotherapy hinder adherence and affect treatment. About 30% of patients still cannot receive effective treatment [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. New researches suggested non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be a new treatment for OCD, PTSD and Ads [ 9 ]. Among these NIBS techniques, tDCS is characterized by its relatively safe, well-tolerable, low cost and convenient combination with pharmacotherapy, making it more suitable for clinical promotion and application [ 10 ]. Therefore, it is crucial and practical to determine the effect of tDCS on OCD, PTSD and ADs.

tDCS is a tool to modulate synaptic connections and induce cortical functioning by supplying a mild direct current (usually 0.5MA–2MA) over the scalp [ 10 ]. The effect of tDCS is polarity-dependent: anodal stimulation increases cortical excitability by depolarizing neurons, and cathodal stimulation inhibits cerebral excitability by hyperpolarizing neurons [ 11 ]. Additionally, parameters of tDCS such as current intensity, duration and stimulation sessions also have a significant influence on the level of excitability [ 12 , 13 ]. However, the optimal protocol of tDCS is still being explored. Researches have shown that tDCS not only modulated cortical excitability by altering the resting membrane potential during stimulation but also modified synaptic activity to produce aftereffects [ 14 ]. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on both the immediate and long-term efficacy of tDCS.

NIBS, as a treatment technology, is based on physiology and pathological mechanism of the diseases. Increasing evidence to demonstrates that OCD is associate with hyperactivation of cortical-striatum-thalamus-cortical (CSTC) circuitry [ 15 , 16 ], and several components of the circuitry such as orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have been tested as targets for OCD treatment using NIBS [ 17 , 18 ]. The brain regions involved in PTSD include the amygdal, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and mPFC, which are responsible for fear responses in humans [ 19 , 20 ]. Moreover, DLPFC, as a core component of central executive network (CEN), is correlated with cognitive control in PTSD [ 21 ]. Although ADs involve different subtypes, they are closely related to fear responses [ 22 ]. Thus, the most consistent physiological characteristic of ADs is the overactivation of the amygdala, similar to PTSD [ 23 , 24 ]. Neuroimaging studies have also highlighted the hypoactivity of the prefrontal cortex in anxiety patients, and emphasized that the hyperactivity amygdala might be caused by inadequate inhibitory control of the prefrontal cortex [ 25 , 26 ]. As a result, the anodal target for NIBS in anxiety disorders is primarily focused on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC). Moreover, hypo- and hyperactivity in the left and right DLPFC is associated with emotional dysregulation and attention bias towards negative information in MDD [ 27 ]. tDCS may also be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression in these diseases. In summary, OCD, PTSD and ADs not only share fundamental clinical features but also involve similar neuropathological mechanisms, such as the amygdal and prefrontal cortex. Therefore, it is more valuable and meaningful to synthesize them in order to quantitatively analyze the effect of tDCS.

Previous meta-analysis studies amied to explore the efficacy of NIBS on specific symptoms of OCD [ 28 ], PTSD [ 29 ] and ADs [ 30 ] individually. Shu and colleagus inverstigated the efficacy of NIBS on OCD that included four tDCS studies. The authors concluded that tDCS was not superior to the sham stimulation in alleviating OCD symptoms [ 28 ]. Rebecca and colleagus did not quantitatively explore the effects of tDCS on posttraumatic core symptoms due to limitations in the number of studies. Their paper included two tDCS studies both of which suggested a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms compared to the sham tDCS [ 29 ]. Alessandra and colleagus conducted a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of NIBS in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Their study showed that NIBS can alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with anxiety disorders, but they didn’t analyse the potency of tDCS separately [ 30 ]. Overall, on the one hand, we discover the effect of tDCS has not received enough attention, and its long-term effects are seldom noticed. On the other hand, previous meta-analysis explored the effect of tDCS on OCD, PTSD, and ADs separately instead of integrating them.

In conclusion, our study aims to conduct a quantitative analysis of existing studies on tDCS for OCD, PTSD, and ADs. We will investigate the immediate and long-term efficacy of tDCS for specific symptoms and general anxiety symptoms in these diseases. Considering that the comorbidity of anxiety and depression is up to 30–67% [ 31 ], and existing meta-analyses have already indicated that tDCS can treat major depressive episodes [ 32 ]. We will also examine the effectiveness of tDCS for depression symptoms in OCD, PTSD, and ADs. Finally, we will test the association between tDCS stimulation parameters and effect sizes using meta-analysis regression.

The present review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) [ 33 ]. This meta-analysis was registered with the PROSPERO, with the registration number CRD42023418957 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO ).

Search strategy

Four English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library, and three Chinese databases involving Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), were systematically searched articles related to the treatment of OCD, PTSD, and ADs with tDCS from May 2012 to June 5th 2024. In our search, we discovered that the first study on tDCS therapy for related disorders was published in May 2012 [ 34 ], prompting us to commence within this period. We adopted Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) or Entry Terms for “tDCS” along with relevant disorders (such as “obsessive compulsive disorder,” “posttraumatic stress disorder,” “generalized anxiety disorder,” “panic disorder,” “agoraphobia,” “specific phobia,” “social anxiety disorder”) (See Supplementary materials STable 1 ). Additionally, we manually searched the related meta-analyses of our study to identify other eligible studies.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) 18–70 years old; (2) clinical diagnosis of OCD, PTSD or ADs according to DSM, ICD or CCMD, and clarify the diagnostic types of anxiety disorders; (3) Unrestricted use of medication and psychological therapy; (4) randomized, sham-controlled trials using tDCS, with consistent target areas for active and sham tDCS; if the study is the randomized controlled crossover trial, the data from the first stage will be used; (5) At least one validated clinical scale as an outcome measure.

Studies were excluded if: (1) no clear criteria of clinical diagnosis; (2) Comorbid neurological diseases, current addiction, bipolar, psychotic, and neurocognitive disorders; (3) no sham tDCS as control or the target areas for active and sham tDCS were inconsistent; (4) duplicated data sets; (5) review, case-report, meta-analysis, and meeting abstracts. Furthermore, comorbid depression and anxiety disorders were not considered as criteria for exclusion.

Records screening and data extraction

Firstly, two researchers (XL, HP) independently conducted preliminary screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the research title and abstract. The records were categorized as “include,” “exclude” or “maybe”. Then, studies that could not be determined for inclusion underwent full-text reading and screening. Any conflicts during the title-abstract and full-text screening stages were resolved through discussion and reach consensus. If consensus could not be reached, the researchers would discuss with a third senior researcher. Finally, two researchers independently extracted and verified data form included literature. The following data were extracted: article indexing information, subject demographic information, tDCS treatment parameters, outcome measures, and pre- and post- treatment data, including follow-up data. If the data was unavailable in original publications, the corresponding author was contacted.

Study quality assessment

Two researchers (XL, HP) conducted independent assessments of the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2) [ 35 ]. This tool is structured into five bias domains, which include “the randomization process,” “intended interventions,” “missing outcome data,” “measurement of the outcome” and “selection of the reported result.” The overall risk of bias for a study depends on assessment of each individual domain. If all domains are judged to have a low risk of bias, the overall risk of bias is considered low and the study is considered to have high quality. Conversely, if at least one domain is judged to raise some concerns and not to be at high risk of bias for any domain, the overall risk of bias is considered to have some cencerns and the study is considered to have moderate quality. Furthermore, other merging estimation is considered to have a high risk. To determine the bias in the domain of “selection of the reported result,” researchers examined the registered protocol provided in the paper. Conflicts were resolved through consultation, and a third researcher was consulted if necessary.

Quantitative analysis

The data extracted from each study were quantitatively analyzed. The primary outcome measures were the change scores of pre-post treatment mean difference in disorder-specific symptoms scale and general anxiety symptoms scale. The secondary outcome measures included the change scores of before treatment to follow-up mean difference in disorder-specific symptoms scale and general anxiety symptoms scale, as well as the change scores of pre-post treatment mean difference in general depression symptoms scale. When there were two validated clinical questionnaires assessing the same outcome (e.g., anxiety symptoms: HAMA, BAI), the scale that was used more frequently in other studies was selected. The standard deviation of the change score was calculated as suggested by the Cochrane Handbook for systematic Reviews of Interventions [ 35 ], as follows:

where corr is the correlation between pre- and post-measurements variances, set at 0.5 as suggested by Follman and colleagues [ 36 ].

The analysis was performed using Stata 16.0. Using the “metan” package to calculate Hedges’g as the measure of effect size. This calculation helps correct bias due to small samples sizes [ 36 ]. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q-test and I 2 metric. Subgroup analysis by diseases was conducted to explore whether disease was the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the “metaninf” package to test for heterogeneity caused by outliers in a study. Additionally, Egger’s regression and the funnel plot were used to analyze publication bias. Finally, meta-regression was employed to investigate the association between tDCS stimulation parameters (the number of sessions, current intensity, session duration, anode targets) and effect sizes. Among them, convert anode targets into dummy variables for regression analysis. According to the Cochrane Handbook’s recommendations, a funnel plot and meta-regression is conducted when there are at least 10 studies [ 35 ]. Due to the different features included in the studies (such as patient characteristics, stimulation parameters, scales, etc.) and the presence of varying effect sizes, the random effects model was chosen for all analyses. This model helps to account for the errors caused by sampling errors and real differences in effect sizes [ 37 , 38 ].

Study selection and characteristics

The literature search is presented in Fig. 1 . A total of 2094 records were retrieved from 7 databases, and 683 duplicate records were removed. Based on the inclusion criteria, full-text of 28 papers was retrieved, and 15 papers were ultimately included in the analysis. Among these, the study by Jafari et al. [ 39 ] and Jaber et al. [ 40 ] included subjects divided into three groups: both active tDCS groups with different current intensities (1MA, 2MA), and a sham tDCS group. For the analysis, these reports were considered as two independent studies. In addition, the report by Smits et al. [ 41 ] included two types of diseases (PTSD and ADs), Due to the lack of definitive diagnosis of ADs, we only extracted data on PTSD symptoms for analysis. The characteristics of the participants are described in Table 1 .

Flow chart of literature search.

The detailed results of the quality assessment are documented in Table 2 . Among these studies, 70.6% (12/17) of the studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias and high quality, while 23.5% (4/17) of the studies were considered to have a moderate quality. Only one study has a high risk of bias. To improve the quality of meta-analysis, the study with high-risk bias was excluded in the main text. The supplementary materials will provide the results of all studies (the result has not changed).

The main sources of bias in the studies were identified as “selection of the reported result” and “intended interventions.” In terms of selective reporting, certain studies [ 42 , 43 , 44 ] did not mention the registered protocol, making it impossible to determine if selective reporting occurred. Regarding intervention bias, studies categorized as having “some concerns” did not explicitly state whether the experimenter who applied the tDCS was aware of the purposes of the study. Moreover, the randomization design, as a secondary factor, had an impact on bias. Despite the random allocation of participants, studies conducted by Gowda [ 45 ] and Smits [ 41 ] et al. had a significant statistical difference in the sex radio between sham and tDCS group, which could potentially impact the study results.

tDCS stimulation parameters

The stimulation parameters are detailed in Table 3 . Firstly, regarding the placement of the target area, the anode was positioned on the L- DLPFC in 11 studies, while the cathode areas varied. Secondly, in terms of current intensity, it ranged from 1MA to 2MA, with 13 studies applying a current of 2MA. Moving on to stimulation sessions, 2 studies administered 5 sessions, while 10 studies included 10 sessions. Finally, with regards to session duration, 12 studies had a duration of 20 min, while the remaining studies had a duration of 30 min.

Analysis of the primary outcome

Disorder-specific symptoms.

A total of 15 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the primary outcome with disorder-specific symptoms, including 643 participants (See supplementary materials STable 2 – 4 ). The results of meta-ananlysis showed that tDCS reduced the specific symptoms in OCD, PTSD, and ADs, with a high effect size (SMD = −0.73, 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.37; Z  = −3.960, p  < 0.001) and a high heterogeneity (I 2  = 77.8%, p  < 0.001) (Fig. 2A ).

A Immediate effect size of tDCS on disorder-specific symptoms. B Immediate effect size of tDCS on general anxiety symptoms. C Long-term effect size of tDCS on disorder-specific symptoms. D Long-term effect size of tDCS on general anxiety symptoms. CI confidence interval.

Subgroup analysis indicated that tDCS effectively improved the specific symptoms in SAD, GAD, and OCD (SMD SAD  = −2.27, 95% CI: −2.97 to −1.57, I 2  = 0%, p  > 0.05; SMD GAD  = −0.61, 95% CI: −1.03 to −0.19, I 2  = 0%, p  > 0.05; SMD OCD  = −0.55, 95% CI: −1.00 to −0.09, I 2  = 77.1%, p  < 0.001). Conversely, tDCS couldn’t alleviate specific symptoms of PD and PTSD (SMD PD  = 0.27, 95% CI: −0.45 to 0.99, I 2  = 0%, p  < 0.001; SMD PTSD  = −0.90, 95% CI: −1.82 to 0.03, I 2  = 73.0%, p  > 0.05).

Sensitivity test results showed that no outliers from any study influenced the overall results. Nevertheless, in terms of publication bias, the funnel plot indicated symmetry (Fig. 3A ) and Egger’s regression test suggested no significant statistical difference ( t  = −1.03, p  = 0.323).

A Immediate efficacy for disorder-specific symptoms. B Immediate efficacy for general anxiety symptoms. C Long-term efficacy for disorder-specific symptoms.

General anxiety symptoms

There were 10 studies involving 422 subjects that reported the general anxiety symptoms. The results of meta-analysis suggested that tDCS reduced the severity of general anxiety symptoms in OCD, PTSD and ADs, with a high effect size (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI: −1.23 to −0.26; Z  = −2.999, p  < 0.01). Q-statistics and I 2 indicated that the included studies had a high heterogeneity (I 2  = 80.7%, p  < 0.001) (Fig. 2B ).

The results of subgroup analysis indicated that tDCS alleviated general anxiety symptoms in SAD, PTSD and OCD (SMD SAD  = −2.29, 95% CI: −3.59 to −0.98, I 2  = 69.5%, p  > 0.05; SMD PTSD  = −0.80, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.10, I 2  = 0%, p  < 0.001; SMD OCD  = −0.50, 95% CI: −0.98 to −0.01; I 2  = 73.4%, p  < 0.01). However, tDCS had no significant impact on general anxiety symptoms in PD (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: −0.48 to 0.96, I 2  = 0%, p  < 0.001).

The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that omitting any study, the results of the remaining studies were consistent with the original results. The funnel plot may indicate the presence of publication bias (Fig. 3B ), although Egger’s regression test did not show statistical significance ( t  = −0.67, p  = 0.522).

Analysis of the secondary outcome

Follow-up of disorder-specific symptoms.

A total of 13 studies reported the follow-up results. Among these, only one study recorded data for one-week follow-up [ 46 ], while the follow-up periods in other studies were longer or close to one month, our study focuses on the long-term effects of tDCS, so the study with a one-week follow-up was excluded. The meta-analysis of the remaining 12 studies, which involving 460 subjects, showed that tDCS had a long-term effect on disorder-specific symptoms in OCD, PTSD, and ADs, with a moderate effect size (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI: −1.04 to −0.16; Z  = −2.650, p  < 0.01) and a high heterogeneity (I 2  = 79.7%, p  < 0.001) (Fig. 2C ).

Subgroup analysis showed that tDCS provide a long-term effect in alleviating the specific symptoms in SAD and OCD (SMD SAD  = −2.20, 95% CI: −2.95 to −1.46, I 2  = 0.0%, p  > 0.05; SMD OCD  = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.68 to −0.09, I 2  = 22.3%, p  > 0.05). However, tDCS did not provide a long-term effect in alleviating the specific symptoms in PTSD (SMD = −0.45, 95% CI: −1.49 to 0.60, I 2  = 87.9%, p  < 0.001).

The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that omitting any study, the results of the remaining studies were consistent with the original results. Meanwhile, the funnel plot (Fig. 3C ) and Egger’s regression test ( t  = −3.19, p  < 0.05) indicated significant publication bias.

Follow-up of general anxiety symptoms

Follow-up results of general anxiety symptoms were recorded in 7 studies. The meta-analysis of the results suggested that tDCS does not provide a long-term effect in reducing the severity of general anxiety symptoms in OCD, PTSD, and ADs (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI: −0.68 to 0.09; Z  = −1.523, p  > 0.05), with a high heterogeneity (I 2  = 53.3%, p  < 0.05).

The results of sensitivity analysis showed the study of Aksu et al. [ 47 ] had a strong heterogeneity. After excluding this study, the results suggested that tDCS has a long-term effectiveness in reducing the severity of general anxiety symptoms in OCD, PTSD, and ADs (SMD = −0.41; 95% CI: −0.78 to −0.03; Z  = −2.140, p  < 0.05), with a moderate heterogeneity (I 2  = 43.4%, p  = 0.116) (Fig. 2D ). Subgroup analysis showed that tDCS provided a long-term effect in alleviating the general anxiety symptoms in PTSD (SMD = −0.98, 95% CI: −1.70 to −0.26, I 2  = 0%, p  < 0.001) and has no long-term effect in alleviating the general anxiety symptoms in OCD (SMD = −0.28, 95% CI: −0.63 to 0.07, I 2  = 26.5%, p  > 0.05). Due to the limited number of studies, only Egger’s regression test was conducted, and the results indicated no significant publication bias ( t  = −1.10, p  > 0.05).

General depression symptoms

A total of 9 studies involving 310 subjects have reported the results of general depression scales. The meta-analysis of results revealed that tDCS effectively improved the general depression symptoms in OCD, PTSD, and ADs (SMD = −0.70, 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.31; Z  = −3.487, p  < 0.001), with a high heterogeneity (I 2  = 62.1%, p  < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that tDCS could improve the general depression symptoms in SAD, PTSD, OCD (SMD SAD  = −1.07, 95% CI: −2.06 to −0.09; I 2  = 65.2%, p  > 0.05; SMD PTSD  = −1.14, 95% CI: −1.88 to −0.41, I 2  = 0%, p  < 0.001; SMD OCD  = −0.62, 95% CI: −1.13 to −0.12, I 2  = 60.6%, p  > 0.05), while it did not significantly reduce the severity of general depression symptoms in PD (SMD = 0.05, 95% CI: −0.66 to 0.77, I 2  = 0%, p  < 0.001).

Sensitivity test results showed that no outliers from any study influenced the overall results. The Egger’s regression test ( t  = −2.85, p  < 0.05) indicated the presence of some publication bias.

Meta-regression analysis

Meta-regression analysis was conducted on outcome measures that included at least 10 studies. The results showed that tDCS stimulation parameters such as the number of sessions, current intensity, session duration, and target location of the anode did not explain the heterogeneity. Statistical characteristics for each covariate are recorded in Table 4 .

The meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of tDCS in reducing disorder-specific symptoms, general anxiety, and depression symptoms for patients with OCD, PTSD and ADs. This study also explored the effects of different tDCS parameters on effectiveness. The results indicated that tDCS could immediately improve the clinical symptoms of OCD, PTSD, and ADs, with a high effect size. It is worth noting that the effect of tDCS on disease-specific and general anxiety symptoms can be maintained for up to one month, with a moderate effect size. Moreover, the tDCS parameters, including the number of sesssions, current intensity, session duration and target location of the anode did not have a significant influence on efficacy.

Immediate effects of tDCS on clinical symptoms of diseases

Based on the immediate therapeutic effects of tDCS on specific symptoms, general anxiety symptoms, and general depression symptoms of PTSD, OCD and ADs, we found that the effects of tDCS on different diseases varies.

First, only one randomized sham-controlled study about PD [ 47 ], Contrary to the researchers’ hypotheses, the results indicates that tDCS does not improve clinical outcomes. The researchers believe this may be due to the high placebo response in randomized controlled trials of anxiety disorders. Additionally, the clinical severity of PD included in the study is relatively low, which can lead to a higher placebo response and influence the results [ 47 ].

Secondly, our results suggest that tDCS has the potential to improve clinical symptoms of GAD and SAD with moderate and high effect sizes, respectively, which is consistent with the latest review of treatments for anxiety disorders [ 48 ]. Our study includes 2 studies on tDCS for GAD and 2 studies on tDCS for SAD, all with the anode placed at the L-DLPFC, further supporting that the L-DLPFC is an effective target for tDCS treatment of ADs. On the one hand, the excitatory stimulation of the L-DLPFC may upregulate the positive response to positive emotional stimuli and downregulate the negative response to emotional stimuli, enhancing emotional regulation ability [ 49 ]; On the other hand, tDCS may increase the functional connectivity between the DLPFC and limbic network, including the amygdala, thereby improving attention control and reducing hypersensitivity of the amygdala to threat stimuli [ 25 , 50 ]. These processes are related to the core symptoms of anxiety disorders (fear, avoidance). In fact, neuroimaging studies have shown a negative correlation between DLPFC activity and anxiety [ 51 ].

Thirdly, our meta-analysis included three studies on tDCS treatment for PTSD, and the results suggested that tDCS did not improve specific symptoms of PTSD [ 41 , 52 , 53 ]. We cannot conclude the efficacy of tDCS on general anxiety and depressive symptoms in PTSD due to limited studies. The three studies showed variations in the severity of the PTSD, tDCS treatment protocols, and treatment outcomes. Therefore, we believe that the efficacy of tDCS may differ across various severities of PTSD. In addition, the target area, number of sessions, and interval between tDCS treatments may also influence effectiveness. Future research should continue to expand on existing studies to clarify the efficacy of tDCS for PTSD.

Long-term effects of tDCS on clinical symptoms of diseases

It is worth noting that as a novel result of this meta-analysis, we discovered that tDCS can improve specific symptoms and general anxiety symptoms of PTSD, OCD, and ADs for up to one month.

We believe that periodic tDCS may induce the late LTP-like plasticity. Long term potentiation (LTP), involves to the enduring functional enhancement of synaptic connections, or structural modification of neuronal connections [ 54 ]. It is divided into Early LTP (E-LTP) and Late LTP (L-LTP) depending on whether excitability alterations last for more than 3 h [ 55 ]. when the periodic tDCS protocols induce neuroplastic changes lasting for several days or weeks, this is referred to as L-LTP. L-LTP may be a candidate mechanism for long-term memory formation [ 56 ]. E-LTP relies on the activation of calcium-dependent kinases [ 57 ]. L-LTP requires gene expression and protein synthesis to achieve changes in synaptic strength, and also involves modifications to the activity of AMPA and NMDA receptors [ 58 , 59 ].

Late LTP-Like plasticity might be the mechanism through which tDCS produces long-term effects. Additionally, studies have shown that the interval between tDCS sessions plays a crucial role in L-LTP [ 59 ], and future studies should consider controlling this variable to investigate the optimal treatment regimen with tDCS.

When interpreting the research findings, it is important to consider the limitations of this study comprehensively. Firstly, due to differences in demographic data, assessment tools, and tDCS treatment parameters, most of the results showed quite heterogeneity. While we attempted to use a random effect model and performed meta-regression, it is crucial to acknowledge this as a significant limitation of our findings. However, it should also be noted that I 2 may be overestimated in a small meta-analyses [ 60 ]. Secondly, the well-known high placebo response in tDCS must be taken into account [ 61 ], highlighting the importance of a blind procedure in study design. Unfortunately, due to the limitation of the number of studies, we were unable to strictly control this variable in our study. Thirdly, the number of randomized controlled studies on tDCS for OCD, PTSD, and ADs is limited, so we are unable to control for comorbidities or other interventions. In the future, further research should be conducted to investigate the immediate and long-term efficacy of tDCS in these disorders, in order to provide additional evidence to clarify of the efficacy of tDCS and elucidate the underlying pathological mechanisms of these diseases.

tDCS improves the clinical symptoms of OCD, PTSD and ADs immediately, and the efficacy can last for 1 month. tDCS can serve as a non-invasive brain stimulation technology for treating these disorders, and the therapeutic effects can be maintained for a period of time.

Baldwin DS, Anderson IM, Nutt DJ, Allgulander C, Bandelow B, den Boer JA, et al. Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a revision of the 2005 guidelines from the British Association for Psychopharmacology[J]. J Psychopharmacol. 2014;28:403–39.

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Van’t Wout M, Longo SM, Reddy MK, Philip NS, Bowker MT, Greenberg BD. Transcranial direct current stimulation may modulate extinction memory in posttraumatic stress disorder[J]. Brain Behav. 2017;7:e00681.

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Bandelow B. Current and novel psychopharmacological drugs for anxiety disorders[J]. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:347–65.

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Apolinário-Hagen J, Drüge M, Fritsche L. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and acceptance commitment therapy for anxiety disorders: integrating traditional with digital treatment approaches[J]. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:291–329.

Thomsen PH. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: pharmacological treatment[J]. Eur Child Adolescent Psychiatry. 2000;9:S76–S84.

Article   Google Scholar  

Montavon F, Vandenberghe F, Eap CB. Use of pharmacological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: analysis of a psychiatric population in Switzerland and comparison with international guidelines[J]. Encephale. 2022;49:446–52.

Atmaca Murad. Treatment-refractory obsessive compulsive disorder[J]. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 2016;70:127–33.

Bystritsky A. Treatment-resistant anxiety disorders[J]. Molecular Psychiatry. 2006;11:805–14.

Freire RC, Cabrera-Abreu C, Milev R. Neurostimulation in anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder[J]. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:331–46.

Zhao H, Qiao L, Fan D, Zhang S, Turel O, Li Y, et al. Modulation of brain activity with noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): clinical applications and safety concerns[J]. Front Psychol. 2017;8:685.

Nitsche MA, Paulus W. Excitability changes induced in the human motor cortex by weak transcranial direct current stimulation[J]. J Physiol. 2000;527:633–9.

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Dedoncker J, Brunoni AR, Baeken C, Vanderhasselt MA. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in healthy and neuropsychiatric samples: influence of stimulation parameters[J]. Brain Stimul. 2016;9:501–17.

Salehinejad MA, Ghanavati E. Complexity of cathodal tDCS: relevance of stimulation repetition, interval, and intensity[J]. J Physiol. 2020;598:1127–9.

Stagg CJ, Nitsche MA. Physiological basis of transcranial direct current stimulation[J]. Neuroscientist. 2011;17:37–53.

Milad MR, Rauch SL. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: beyond segregated cortico-striatal pathways[J]. Trends Cogn Sci. 2012;16:43–51.

Van den Heuvel OA, Guido VW, Carles SM, Pino A, Samuel RC, Takashi N, et al. Brain circuitry of compulsivity[J]. Eur Neuropsychopharm. 2016;26:810–27.

Brunelin J, Mondino M, Bation R, Palm U, Saoud M, Poulet E. Transcranial direct current stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review[J]. Brain Sci. 2018;8:37.

Trevizol AP, Shiozawa P, Cook IA, Sato IA, Kaku CB, Guimarães FB, et al. Transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J ECT. 2016;32:262–6.

Philip NS, Barredo J, van ‘t Wout-Frank M, Tyrka AR, Price LH, Carpenter LL. Network mechanisms of clinical response to transcranial magnetic stimulation in posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder[J]. Biol Psychiatry. 2018;83:263–72.

Quirk GJ, Garcia R, González-Lima F. Prefrontal mechanisms in extinction of conditioned fear[J]. Biol Psychiatry. 2006;60:337–43.

Aupperle RL, Allard CB, Grimes EM, Simmons AN, Flagan T, Behrooznia M, et al. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation during emotional anticipation and neuropsychological performance in posttraumatic stress disorder[J]. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2012;69:360–71.

Lai CH. Task MRI-based functional brain network of anxiety[J]. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:3–20.

Taylor JM, Whalen PJ. Neuroimaging and anxiety: the neural substrates of pathological and non-pathological anxiety[J]. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17:49.

Dresler T, Guhn A, Tupak SV, Ehlis AC, Herrmann MJ, Fallgatter AJ, et al. Revise the revised? New dimensions of the neuroanatomical hypothesis of panic disorder[J]. J Neural Transm. 2013;120:3–29.

Ironside M, Browning M, Ansari TL, Harvey CJ, Sekyi-Djan MN, Bishop SJ, et al. Effect of prefrontal cortex stimulation on regulation of amygdala response to threat in individuals with trait anxiety: a randomized clinical trial[J]. JAMA Psychiatry. 2019;76:71–78.

Cha J, DeDora D, Nedic S, Ide J, Greenberg T, Hajcak G, et al. Clinically anxious individuals show disrupted feedback between inferior frontal gyrus and prefrontal-limbic control circuit[J]. J Neurosci. 2016;36:4708–18.

Grimm S, Beck J, Schuepbach D, Hell D, Boesiger P, Bermpohl F, et al. Imbalance between left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in major depression is linked to negative emotional judgment: an fMRI study in severe major depressive disorder[J]. Biol Psychiatry. 2008;63:369–76.

Zhou S, Fang Y. Efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials[J]. Brain Sci. 2022;12:943.

Kan RLD, Zhang BBB, Zhang JJQ, Kranz GS. Non-invasive brain stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Transl Psychiatry. 2020;10:168.

Vergallito A, Gallucci A, Pisoni A, Punzi M, Caselli G, Ruggiero GM, et al. Effectiveness of noninvasive brain stimulation in the treatment of anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of sham or behaviour-controlled studies[J]. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2021;46:E592–E614.

Choi KW, Kim YK, Jeon HJ. Comorbid anxiety and depression: clinical and conceptual consideration and transdiagnostic treatment[J]. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:219–35.

Zhang R, Lam CLM, Peng X, Zhang D, Zhang C, Huang R, et al. Efficacy and acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation for treating depression: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials[J]. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;126:481–90.

Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews[J]. BMJ. 2021;372:n71.

Volpato C, Piccione F, Cavinato M, Duzzi D, Schiff S, Foscolo L, et al. Modulation of affective symptoms and resting state activity by brain stimulation in a treatment-resistant case of obsessive-compulsive disorder[J]. Neurocase. 2013;19:360–70.

Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.3 (updated February 2022). [Z]//TJ Higgins Jpt, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page Mj, Welch Va Available from www.training.cochrane.org/handbook . 2022.

Hedges LV. Distribution theory for glass’s estimator of effect size and related estimators[J]. J Educ Stat. 1981;6:107–28.

Bender R, Friede T, Koch A, Kuss O, Schlattmann P, Schwarzer G, et al. Methods for evidence synthesis in the case of very few studies[J]. Res Synth Methods. 2018;9:382–92.

Nikolakopoulou A, Mavridis D, Salanti G. Demystifying fixed and random effects meta-analysis[J]. Evid Based Ment Health. 2014;17:53–57.

Jafari E, Alizadehgoradel J, Pourmohseni Koluri F, Nikoozadehkordmirza E, Refahi M, Taherifard M, et al. Intensified electrical stimulation targeting lateral and medial prefrontal cortices for the treatment of social anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, dose-comparison study[J]. Brain Stimul. 2021;14:974–86.

Alizadehgoradel J, Molaei B, Barzegar Jalali K, Pouresmali A, Sharifi K, Hallajian AH, et al. Targeting the prefrontal-supplementary motor network in obsessive-compulsive disorder with intensified electrical stimulation in two dosages: a randomized, controlled trial[J]. Transl Psychiatry. 2024;14:78.

Smits FM, Geuze E, Schutter D, Honk JV, Gladwin TE. Effects of tDCS during inhibitory control training on performance and PTSD, aggression and anxiety symptoms: a randomized-controlled trial in a military sample[J]. Psychol Med. 2021;52:1–11.

PubMed   Google Scholar  

Liu J, Xiang F, Huang Q, Zhu C. The efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (in chinese)[J]. Zhejiang Clinical. Medical J. 2022;24:690–2.

Google Scholar  

Zhou P, Cai M, Yuan P, Yang S, Xi M. Effects of fluvoxamine combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on cognitive function, anxiety symptoms, serum BDNF and 5-HT levels in patients with first-episode obessive-complusive disorder (in chinese)[J]. Shaanxi Med J. 2022;51:990–4.

Movahed FS, Goradel JA, Pouresmali A, Mowlaie M. Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation on worry, anxiety, and depression in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized, single-blind pharmacotherapy and sham-controlled clinical trial[J]. IJ Psychiatry Behav Sci. 2018;12:e11071.

Gowda SM, Narayanaswamy JC, Hazari N, Bose A, Chhabra H, Balachander S, et al. Efficacy of pre-supplementary motor area transcranial direct current stimulation for treatment resistant obsessive compulsive disorder: a randomized, double blinded, sham controlled trial[J]. Brain Stimul. 2019;12:922–9.

de Lima AL, Braga FMA, da Costa RMM, Gomes EP, Brunoni AR, Pegado R. Transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial[J]. J Affect Disord. 2019;259:31–37.

Aksu S, Soyata AZ, Mursalova Z, Eskicioğlu G, Tükel R. Transcranial direct current stimulation does not improve clinical and neurophysiological outcomes in panic disorder: a randomized sham-controlled trial[J]. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2022;76:384–92.

Lee HJ, Stein MB. Update on treatments for anxiety-related disorders[J]. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2023;36:140–5.

Vicario CM, Salehinejad MA, Felmingham K, Martino G, Nitsche MA. A systematic review on the therapeutic effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of anxiety disorders[J]. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2019;96:219–31.

Todder D, Gershi A, Perry Z, Kaplan Z, Levine J, Avirame K. Immediate effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on obsession-induced anxiety in refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a pilot study[J]. J ECT. 2018;34:e51–7.

Bishop S, Duncan J, Brett M, Lawrence AD. Prefrontal cortical function and anxiety: controlling attention to threat-related stimuli[J]. Nat Neurosci. 2004;7:184–8.

Ahmadizadeh MJ, Rezaei M, Fitzgerald PB. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial[J]. Brain Res Bull. 2019;153:273–8.

Eyraud N, Poupin P, Legrand M, Caille A, Sauvaget A, Bulteau S, et al. Combining trauma script exposure with tDCS to alleviate symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder: a two-arm randomized sham-controlled multicenter trial[J]. Brain Stimul. 2024;17:591–3.

Feldman DE. Synaptic mechanisms for plasticity in neocortex[J]. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2009;32:33–55.

Reymann KG, Frey JU. The late maintenance of hippocampal LTP: requirements, phases, ‘synaptic tagging’, ‘late-associativity’ and implications[J]. Neuropharmacology. 2007;52:24–40.

Costa-Mattioli M, Sossin WS, Klann E, Sonenberg N. Translational control of long-lasting synaptic plasticity and memory[J]. Neuron. 2009;61:10–26.

Malenka RC, Bear MF. LTP and LTD: an embarrassment of riches[J]. Neuron. 2004;44:5–21.

Dozmorov M, Li R, Abbas AK, Hellberg F, Farre C, Huang FS, et al. Contribution of AMPA and NMDA receptors to early and late phases of LTP in hippocampal slices[J]. Neurosci Res. 2006;55:182–8.

Monte-Silva K, Kuo MF, Hessenthaler S, Fresnoza S, Liebetanz D, Paulus W, et al. Induction of late LTP-like plasticity in the human motor cortex by repeated non-invasive brain stimulation[J]. Brain Stimul. 2013;6:424–32.

von Hippel PT. The heterogeneity statistic I(2) can be biased in small meta-analyses[J]. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2015;15:35.

De Smet S, Nikolin S, Moffa A, Suen P, Vanderhasselt MA, Brunoni AR, et al. Determinants of sham response in tDCS depression trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2021;109:110261.

Silva R, Brunoni AR, Goerigk S, Batistuzzo MC, Costa DLDC, Diniz JB, et al. Efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation as an add-on treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized, sham-controlled trial[J]. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2021;46:1028–34.

Bation R, Mondino M, Le Camus F, Saoud M, Brunelin J. Transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder: a randomized controlled trial[J]. Eur Psychiatry. 2019;62:38–44.

Yoosefee S, Amanat M, Salehi M, Mousavi SV, Behzadmanesh J, Safary V, et al. The safety and efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation as add-on therapy to fluoxetine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, clinical trial[J]. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20:570.

Harika-Germaneau G, Heit D, Drapier D, Sauvaget A, Bation R, Chatard A, et al. Treating refractory obsessive compulsive disorder with cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the supplementary motor area: a large multisite randomized sham-controlled double-blind study[J]. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15:1338594.

Download references

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82271546, 82101625); National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2506201); Fund Program for the Scientific Activities of Selected Returned Overseas Professionals in Shanxi Province (20240041); Special fund for Science and Technology Innovation Teams of Shanxi Province (202304051001049).

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China

Luxin Xie, Peina Hu, Zhenglong Guo, Miao Chen, Xiao Wang, Xinzhe Du, Yue Li, Wentao Zhao & Sha Liu

School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China

Luxin Xie & Peina Hu

Shanxi Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment for Mental Disorder, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China

Xiao Wang, Xinzhe Du, Yue Li, Wentao Zhao & Sha Liu

Department of Mental Health, Sinopharm North Hospital, Baotou, China

Bo Chen & Jihui Zhang

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

LXX: conceptualization, methodology, software, writing—original draft. PNH: methodology, software, writing—original draft. ZLG: methodology, supervision. MC: methodology, software, validation. XW: methodology, software. XZD: software, supervision, validation. YL: methodology, visualization. BC: visualization, review & editing. JHZ: visualization, review & editing. WTZ: conceptualization, writing—review & editing. SL: conceptualization, writing—review & editing.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Wentao Zhao or Sha Liu .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary information

Supplementary prism-checklist, supplementary materials, sfigure 1: forest plots of the effect size of tdcs on disorder-specific symptoms (a and b)., sfigure 2: funnel plots for disorder-specific symptoms (a and b)., stable 1: specific query in different databases., stable 2: the raw data of specific-disorder sympotoms., stable 3: the raw data of general anxiety sympotoms., stable 4: the raw data of general anxiety sympotoms., rights and permissions.

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, which permits any non-commercial use, sharing, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if you modified the licensed material. You do not have permission under this licence to share adapted material derived from this article or parts of it. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Xie, L., Hu, P., Guo, Z. et al. Immediate and long-term efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tCDS) in obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry 14 , 343 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03053-0

Download citation

Received : 10 August 2023

Revised : 14 August 2024

Accepted : 16 August 2024

Published : 25 August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03053-0

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

• News & Stories

Q&A: Understanding and Preventing Youth Firearm Violence

Jessika Bottiani discusses her research on the significant disparities in youth firearm violence and how understanding those gaps can help future prevention efforts.

Leslie Booren

August 26, 2024

This summer the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a landmark advisory on firearm violence , declaring it a public health crisis. According to the advisory, gun violence reaches across the lifespan and is currently the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America.

Researchers at Youth-Nex, the UVA Center to Promote Effective Youth Development, have been examining some of the root causes of youth firearm violence disparities to better understand this crisis and how future prevention efforts may work.

Recently, the Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA) recognized Dr. Jessika Bottiani, an associate research professor at the UVA School of Education and Human Development and faculty affiliate at Youth-Nex, and her co-authors with the 2024 Social Policy Publication Award for a paper on the prevention of youth firearm violence disparities . SRA highlighted this review as work that should be read by all policymakers.

We sat down with Bottiani to learn more about this research review.

Q: Your paper examined research on youth firearm violence and firearm risk. What did you find?

A: Our review and synthesis of data demonstrated striking differences in firearm risk across intersectional identities. We separated out different types of firearm violence (e.g., homicide, suicide, injury), which revealed distinctions in risk across different demographic groups–most saliently gun homicide among Black boys and young men in urban settings.

A staggering degree of inequity in firearm fatalities is shouldered by Black boys and young men in this country, where the rate of firearm homicide is more than 20 times higher among Black boys and young men ages 15-24 than for white boys and young men in the same age groups. We also saw higher rates of gun suicide among white and Indigenous American boys and young men in rural areas of the United States.

When we examined rates by geography, we identified intersectional differences in risk that are important for policymakers to understand. For example, we saw that higher rates of firearm homicide among Black boys and young men were most salient in urban areas of the Midwest and south of the United States. Overlaying data onto maps demonstrated how young male suicide by firearm is also clustered geographically, for example, in rural counties in the Midwest and west for Indigenous young males, and in in rural counties in the west for White male youth (who have the second highest rate of suicide by firearm after Indigenous young males).

Q: Why was a review of the research specifically focused on disparities in youth firearm violence needed?

A: A lot of systematic and scoping reviews on firearm violence had come out in the literature around this time, but none of them focused on understanding why Black boys and young men in urban areas were so disproportionately affected, or why we were also seeing gaps affecting rural White boys and young men. This paper presented data that revealed the degree of these disparities and tried to understand the root causes.

We don’t pay enough attention to the role of racist historical policies and regulations that have calcified into today’s racially segregated geographies and poverty. With this paper, we wanted to reveal the way in which youth gun violence is inextricably bound to the history of race, place, and culture in the United States. The paper also delves into cultural norms around guns and masculinity. We feel insights on these aspects of context are vital for understanding how to address youth firearm violence.

Q: What future prevention efforts do you suggest in your paper?

A: We put forth a number of evidence-based solutions for settings ranging from emergency rooms to schools to address firearm violence at the individual level. Yet perhaps more importantly, we also provide suggestions for tackling the structural and sociocultural factors that underlie firearm violence.

At the community level, our recommendations range from violence interrupters to programs and policies that seek to disrupt racial segregation and redress housing inequities. We also note the potential for media campaigns addressing sociocultural norms to be a tool for prevention.

We provided a review of gun restriction and safety policies, and their potential effectiveness in addressing youth firearm violence (while also acknowledging the political climate wherein such policies have been increasingly challenged). We point out that some recent firearm related policies, purportedly race neutral in their language, had harmful impacts specifically on communities and people of color.

Individual level interventions or policies that seek to address only one piece of the puzzle are bound to be ineffective at scale. Rather, what is required are multisector, place-based initiatives that address structural factors related to poverty and the built environment in under-resourced segregated neighborhoods.

News Information

Media contact.

Audrey Breen

[email protected]

Research Center or Department

Featured faculty.

• Jessika H. Bottiani

Thought Leadership

News Topics

• Health & Wellness

Related News

Too Much Treadmill? Outdoor Training Could Help Your Shin Splints

How Summer Mindfulness Practices Can Help Mitigate School-year Stress

Summer Fun Can Help Students Find Belonging

A Google Search Put This Alumna on the Path to the NBA – and an Equally Rewarding Day Job

International Spillovers of U.S. Fiscal Challenges

Expansionary fiscal policies have increased significantly following the subprime crisis in 2007 and the COVID-19 crisis, leading to fiscal dominance concerns, where a growing share of monetary authorities may be forced to deviate from policy targets to accommodate fiscal policies. Meanwhile, peripheral economies are constantly influenced by monetary and fiscal conditions in center economies, with the United States (U.S.) as the predominant force. In light of these developments, we examine the potential international spillovers from U.S. inflationary spells and growing fiscal concerns to the policy interest rates in Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) and Developed Economies (DEs). We introduce a new index of fiscal dominance concerns using Principal Components Analysis, and extend the concept to an international perspective, as opposed to previous literature examining fiscal dominance in a domestic environment. The results are confirmed by robustness analysis and show that greater U.S. fiscal challenges affect negatively the policy rates in both EMEs and DEs, with a greater impact observed in EMEs. Moreover, a low degree of financial repression is associated with more significant spillover effects from greater U.S. fiscal challenges.

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the economics division of Linköping University, Sweden. The authors are deeply grateful to Bo Sjö, Donghyun Park, Jamel S., Ayhan Kose, Franziska Ohnsorge, and Naotaka Sugawara for sharing the fiscal space data. Joshua Aizenman gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Dockson Chair at the University of Southern California The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Asian Development Bank.

MARC RIS BibTeΧ

Download Citation Data

More from NBER

In addition to working papers , the NBER disseminates affiliates’ latest findings through a range of free periodicals — the NBER Reporter , the NBER Digest , the Bulletin on Retirement and Disability , the Bulletin on Health , and the Bulletin on Entrepreneurship  — as well as online conference reports , video lectures , and interviews .

• Skip to main content
• Skip to FDA Search
• Skip to in this section menu
• Skip to footer links

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

•   Search
•   Menu
• News & Events
• FDA Newsroom
• Press Announcements

FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants

FDA News Release

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been updated with this formula to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

In early June, the FDA advised manufacturers of licensed and authorized COVID-19 vaccines that the COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) should be monovalent JN.1 vaccines. Based on the further evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and a rise in cases of COVID-19, the agency subsequently determined and advised manufacturers that the preferred JN.1-lineage for the COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) is the KP.2 strain, if feasible.

“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “These updated vaccines meet the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”

The updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines include Comirnaty and Spikevax, both of which are approved for individuals 12 years of age and older, and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, both of which are authorized for emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age.

What You Need to Know

• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated, authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated, authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
• Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated, authorized Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
• Individuals 5 years through 11 years of age regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, authorized Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines; if previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least 2 months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, approved Comirnaty or the updated, approved Spikevax; if previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Additional doses are authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years of age as described in the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheets.

Individuals who receive an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may experience similar side effects as those reported by individuals who previously received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and as described in the respective prescribing information or fact sheets. The updated vaccines are expected to provide protection against COVID-19 caused by the currently circulating variants. Barring the emergence of a markedly more infectious variant of SARS-CoV-2, the FDA anticipates that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines will need to be assessed annually, as occurs for seasonal influenza vaccines.

For today’s approvals and authorizations of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the FDA assessed manufacturing and nonclinical data to support the change to include the 2024-2025 formula in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The updated mRNA vaccines are manufactured using a similar process as previous formulas of these vaccines. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to hundreds of millions of people in the U.S., and the benefits of these vaccines continue to outweigh their risks.

On an ongoing basis, the FDA will review any additional COVID-19 vaccine applications submitted to the agency and take appropriate regulatory action.

The approval of Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula) was granted to BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH. The EUA amendment for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula) was issued to Pfizer Inc.

The approval of Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula) was granted to ModernaTX Inc. and the EUA amendment for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula) was issued to ModernaTX Inc.

Related Information

• Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula)
• Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2024-2025 Formula)
• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula)
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula)
• FDA Resources for the Fall Respiratory Illness Season
• Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Use in the United States Beginning in Fall 2024
• June 5, 2024, Meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best ocd topic ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting ocd topics to write about, 📌 simple & easy ocd essay titles, ❓ ocd research questions.

• Intake Report and Treatment Plan: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) According to Joan, her whole life from childhood has been accompanied by her overambitious to achieve in every task, her conscientious nature, never-making mistakes behavior, and her avoidance to indicate the presence of a mistake […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – Psychology This paper mainly addresses some of the characteristics of OCD, what contribute it, the kind of people who are likely to attract the disease, types of treatment of the disorder, and how it affects a […]
• Obsessive – Compulsive Personality Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is the term used to refer to a mental condition in which a victim is too preoccupied with perfectionism, orderliness, and interpersonal and mental control, at the expense of efficiency, openness and […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder One of them is the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder the syndrome which causes people to have recurring, unwanted thoughts and drives them to uncontrollable, repetitive actions.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Definition, Types and Causes Efforts to raise people’s awareness about OCD have been on the rise since the late 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century.
• The Obsessive-Compulsive Psychological Disorder In addition, the disorder affects the way he relates with the likes of Simon Bishop and the gay painter both of whom are his neighbors.
• Psychological Issues: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Nevertheless, the study showed that the majority of the correspondents who suffered from the disease were Judaism. Moreover, individuals suffering from the disorder refrain from visiting hospitals in fear of humiliation and guilt attributed to […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in an Asian American Patient The issue of substance use should also be addressed as one of the possible factors that may have exacerbated the patient’s sense of anxiety and prompted the aggravation of her OCD.
• Discussion: Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders To be diagnosed with a specific phobia, one must exhibit several symptoms, including excessive fear, panic, and anxiety. Specific phobias harm the physical, emotional, and social well-being of an individual.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Adults Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder that is represented by uncontrollable, repetitive and unwanted thoughts.
• Neurotransmission and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder The proteins and the other substances that the neuron needs for its function are manufactured by the cell body or soma and the nucleus and the neuron is known as the “manufacturing and recyling plant”.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Young Woman After Bess’s mother’s serious intervention into the course of her life, Bess was absorbed in her studies and later in her work.
• Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In this article, after overviewing both the psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral models of OCD, Kempke and Luyten point out that as opposed to the cognitive behavioral model, the arena of psychodynamic approach to OCD is […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Minor Psychiatric Illnesses However, the severe obsessive-compulsive disorder may lead to major incapacitation adversely affecting the life of the victims. When an individual exhibits or complains about obsession or compulsion or both to the extent that his normal […]
• Howard Hughes’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder The purpose of this paper is to discuss the obsessive-compulsive disorder in the case of Howard Hughes, with the help of the Big Five personality model.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder and Care Hospitalization is a rare treatment method for patients who have an obsessive compulsory personality disorder. For instance, new drugs such as Prozac and SRRI are proved to offer a reprieve to patients suffering obsessive compulsory […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Diagnostics Developmental Disorder: No diagnosis No diagnosis can be made since the woman used to be an active member of her community. Medical Disorder: No diagnosis The client maintains that she does not have medical issues.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Its Causes While it is possible to clearly articulate the symptoms of OCD, the final and definite answer to the question about the causes of the disorder is yet to be found. Currently, it is hypothesised that […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Diagnosis and Therapy The ritual, i.e, the street corner, may be a response to an obsessional theme or a way to lower an underlying anxiety.
• Experience of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder The obsessive-compulsive disorder is a rather common psychiatric illness, which has a tendency to occupy a significant time in the mind of the patient and provides a feeling that he/she is not in control of […]
• Mindfulness Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder It is important to introduce the patient to the mindfulness intervention as early as possible by inviting him to take part in a 5-minute mindfulness-of-breath exercise in order to note particular reflections about the nature […]
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Psychology The other sign relates to the fear of lacking the need in life and consequently losing whatever has been acquired and is in possession.
• The Treatment of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Thus, Madam Y is to be convinced of the therapist’s good intentions. Unconditional positive regard is also one of the most important ways which is to be used to help Madam Y.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Persistent thoughts and repetitive behaviors are major characteristics of the obsessive-compulsive disorder. Early, diagnosis, combined therapy and ability of the patient to regulate anxiety are critical in treatment of the obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Brief Overview of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) The strange acts torment the mind and the distractions affect the social wellbeing of the patient. The brain has the “orbital frontal cortex” that is responsible of reporting and soliciting the rest of the brain […]
• Freud’s Theory of Personality Development and OCD The ego, on the other hand, is in the middle and manages both the desires of the Id and those of the superego.
• Invasive Circuitry-Based Neurotherapeutics: Stereotactic Ablation and Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD
• Autism Spectrum Traits in Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Symptoms Predict Poorer Response to Gamma Ventral Capsulotomy for Intractable OCD
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety and OCD Spectrum Disorders
• Identical Symptomatology but Different Diagnosis: Treatment Implications of an OCD Versus Schizophrenia Diagnosis
• Childhood-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Tic-Related Subtype of OCD?
• Reduced Anterior Cingulate Glutamatergic Concentrations in Childhood OCD and Major Depression Versus Healthy Controls
• Neural Responses of OCD Patients Towards Disorder-Relevant, Generally Disgust-Inducing, and Fear-Inducing Pictures
• Dealing With Corona Virus Anxiety and OCD
• The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With OCD
• Recent Life Events and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The Role of Pregnancy & Delivery
• Basic Neurotransmission and the Psychotropic Treatment of OCD
• The Characteristics, Common Symptoms, and Treatments of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a Neurological Anxiety Disorder
• Social Factors That May Contribute or Result From OCD
• Are “Obsessive” Beliefs Specific to OCD?: A Comparison Across Anxiety Disorders
• Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) Errors and Cerebral Blood Flow in Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) Between ADHD and OCD
• Treatment Non-response in OCD: Methodological Issues and Operational Definitions
• The Symptoms, Treatment, and Combination of Therapies for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• The Other Side of COVID-19: Impact on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Hoarding
• Should OCD Be Classified as an Anxiety Disorder in DSM‐V?
• Evaluation of Biological Explanations of OCD
• OCD in Children and Adolescents: A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Manual
• A New Infection-Triggered, Autoimmune Subtype of Pediatric OCD and Tourette’s Syndrome
• Parents With OCD and the Influences on Children
• Social Movements and Awareness and Educate the Public About OCD
• Hoarding in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Results From the OCD Collaborative Genetics Study
• Women Are at Greater Risk of OCD Than Men: A Meta-Analytic Review of Ocd Prevalence Worldwide
• Compulsive Hoarding: OCD Symptom, Distinct Clinical Syndrome, or Both?
• Does Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder Influence Outcome of Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD?
• Repeated Cortico-Striatal Stimulation Generates Persistent OCD-Like Behavior
• Quality of Life in OCD: Differential Impact of Obsessions, Compulsions, and Depression Comorbidity
• What Should the Diagnostic Criteria for OCD Be?
• Characterizing the Hoarding Phenotype in Individuals With OCD: Associations With Comorbidity, Severity, and Gender
• Compassion-Focused Group Therapy for Treatment-Resistant OCD: Initial Evaluation Using a Multiple Baseline Design
• High Rates of OCD Symptom Misidentification by Mental Health Professionals
• Widespread Structural Brain Changes in OCD: A Systematic Review of Voxel-Based Morphometry Studies
• Causes and Triggers for Obsessive Compulsive-Disorder (OCD)
• Distinct Subcortical Volume Alterations in Pediatric and Adult OCD: A Worldwide Meta- and Mega-Analysis
• Treating OCD With Exposure and Response Prevention
• What Is OCD Behaviour?
• What Are the Types of OCD?
• Is OCD a Form of Anxiety?
• What Causes OCD?
• What Are the Main Symptoms of OCD?
• Is OCD a Mental Disability?
• Can OCD Be Fully Cured?
• How Can You Tell if Someone Has OCD?
• What Happens if OCD Is Not Treated?
• Is OCD a Permanent Condition?
• How Long Does OCD Usually Last?
• What Are the Main Causes of OCD?
• How Many People With OCD Recover?
• What Does Undiagnosed OCD Look Like?
• Is OCD a Form of Addiction?
• Can OCD Be Triggered by Trauma?
• What Childhood Trauma Causes OCD?
• How OCD Takes the Living Out of Life?
• What Is Childhood and Adolescent OCD?
• How Is OCD Treated for Children With Compulsive Disorder?
• What Analysis of Genome-Wide Associations of Complications of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
• How Are OCD and Genes Related?
• Can OCD Cause Psychosis?
• Who Is Most Commonly Affected by OCD?
• Gambling Essay Titles
• Bipolar Disorder Research Ideas
• ADHD Essay Ideas
• Bulimia Topics
• Anorexia Essay Ideas
• Disorders Ideas
• Abnormal Psychology Paper Topics
• Dissociative Identity Disorder Essay Topics
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 2). 97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/ocd-essay-topics/

"97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 2 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/ocd-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 2 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/ocd-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/ocd-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "97 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/ocd-essay-topics/.

Improving writing skills since 2002

(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Ocd research paper.

• Word Count: 1733
• Approx Pages: 7
• View my Saved Essays
• Downloads: 66
• Problems? Flag this paper!

                          19-year-old Alexis is a student at Texas A&M University. She is currently enrolled in Psychology 2301 and is having trouble in class. She tells us that she is having trouble concentrating on the lessons that are being taught in class because she is constantly worried about different things that are running through her head. For instance, she often wonders if she remembered to lock the door when she left this morning, or if everything is in its proper place. Her professor notices her lack of concentration and, after a discussion with Alexis, suggests that she visit a psychiatrist. Upon her visit to the psychiatrist and after several tests, she is diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.              What once was thought to be a rare disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the 4th most common out of any mental disorder. About 1 in every 200 adults suffer from OCD, and twice as many have had it at one point or another in their lives (www.understanding_OCD.tripod.com). OCD generally begins to reveal symptoms between the ages of 6 and 15 for males, and 20-29 for females, though research has shown that OCD can start in early childhood, and even in the pre-school years. Many people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder tend to try and ignore the symptoms, not seeking professional help. .              There are many common symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These symptoms are generally broken down into two main categories. The first of the two is obsession. Webster's Dictionary defines obsession as "a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often-unreasonable idea or feeling." When a person has OCD, these uncomfortable ideas and feelings are uncontrollable and quickly become an everyday annoyance. Common obsessions include: fear of dirt or germs, disgust with bodily waste or fluids, concern with order, symmetry and exactness, worry that a task has been done poorly even though it has been, fears of thinking or saying evil or sinful things, and even fear of harming a family member or friend (www.

• Page 1 of 6

Essays Related to OCD Research Paper

1. obsessive compulsive disorder (ocd).

How common is OCD? ... There are four primary examples of OCD, a person presented with the fears of being contaminated by touching various objects he consideres dirty, he feels the need to cover various "dirty" objects with paper towels before he was able to touch them. ... Heredity has been studied and research reports that biological model studies are often done with sets of twins where one member of the set has the disorder. ... OCD can start at any age. ... How common is OCD? ...

• Word Count: 1989
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Word Count: 2058

3. Literary Analysis of The Boy Who Couldn

"Over six million people are suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in America alone." ... Another form of OCD that Dr. ... Therefore, by including all aspects of this type of OCD, Dr. ... (Rapoport 45) This quote allows people with OCD to relate to Zach. ... This gives the reader a broader view of OCD. ...

• Word Count: 1103
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography

4. Compulsive Hoarding

Research to date has not supported this idea. ... Most often, people hoard common possessions, such as paper, books, clothing, and containers. ... Compulsive hoarding was commonly considered to be a type of OCD. "Some estimate that as many as one in four people with OCD also have compulsive hoarding (OCD 2010). ... Although some research suggests that people with hoarding symptoms are less likely to respond to SSRI's, other research has found that the SSRI drug parozetine (Paxil) may improve hoarding symptoms as well as other symptoms associated with OCD. ...

• Word Count: 1721

5. Eating Disorder Research Paper

Unfortunately, she was inexperienced and said that she was not anorexia but had OCD. ... She also met with a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with anorexia, which was brought on by her OCD (Lasser). ... They can also have an addiction to eating or exercising, or even OCD for counting calories. ... Many of the mental disorders that can cause eating disorders, can also be symptoms, such as depression, OCD, and anxiety ("E.D....

• Word Count: 2943
• Approx Pages: 12

6. Overview of Anorexia Nervosa

In this paper I will discuss the different aspects of this disorder and how it is treated. ... About that same time, Sir William Gull termed the disorder anorexia nervosa when he submitted a paper to London Clinical Society. ... One study done showed that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder was often diagnosed with anorexia, but researchers are finding that many times the symptoms of OCD came at the same time as anorexia. Also, men are diagnosed with the same amount of OCD as women, but they are diagnosed at a much lower rate with anorexia nervosa (Zandian, loakimidis, Bergh & Sodersten, 2007). .....

• Word Count: 1838

7. Research Paper - Depression

Research has shown that the levels of young people with depression or anxiety is sky rocketing. ... The evaluations normally determine if the person has a psychiatric illness such has bipolar, bordering personality, depression, anxiety/ocd, or schizophrenia. ...

• Word Count: 2455
• Approx Pages: 10

8. The Long Process of Treating Sex Offenders

Research shows that a lot of cases go unreported which can deem inaccurate numbers regarding the amount of sex offenders in this country. This paper explores different populations of sex offenders: females, males, and juveniles as well as controversial empirically based treatments used to help the treatment of sex offenders. ... Research shows that a lot of cases go unreported which can deem inaccurate numbers regarding the amount of sex offenders in this country. ... The goal employed by the authors of this paper has been to explore the many diverse populations of sex offenders, including j...

• Word Count: 8141
• Approx Pages: 33
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

9. Asperger Syndrome

In 1981, Lorna Wing increased interest in the condition, and since then both the usage of the term in clinical practice and number of case reports and research studies have been steadily increasing. ... It is very difficult to diagnose because it is often related to OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, schizoid, and other thought disorders. ... (Lord) In Han Asperger's original paper in 1944 describing the people whom later came to be described under his name, he recognized that while the symptoms and problems change over time, the overall problem is seldom outgrown. ...

• Word Count: 2609

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

• How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data. 

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study. 

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments. 

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic. 

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects. 

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore. 

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.) 

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore. 

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

• Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique. 

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper. 

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces. 

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health. 

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities. 

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project. 

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health. 

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature. 

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

• Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research. 

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders. 

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research. 

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research. 

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level. 

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable. 

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated. 

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

• Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

Psychology research is an exciting and competitive study area, making it the perfect choice for projects or papers.

Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

Should you be using a customer insights hub?

Do you want to discover previous research faster?

Do you share your research findings with others?

Do you analyze research data?

Start for free today, add your research, and get to key insights faster

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 18 April 2023

Last updated: 27 February 2023

Last updated: 22 August 2024

Last updated: 5 February 2023

Last updated: 16 August 2024

Last updated: 9 March 2023

Last updated: 30 April 2024

Last updated: 12 December 2023

Last updated: 11 March 2024

Last updated: 4 July 2024

Last updated: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next, log in or sign up.

Get started for free

Do research and summary writing on any topic 2000 words

What you get with this Offer

Get more with offer add-ons, i can do research and summary writing on any topic 2500 words.

Additional 2 working days

I can do research and summary writing on any topic 3000 words

I can deliver all work in 1 working day, what the freelancer needs to start the work.

I need your requirements.

• How it works
• The Offer price is fixed - you never pay a penny more
• Your money is safe until you agree to release funds to the Freelancer
• After purchase, you should contact the Freelancer and let them know about your requirements

Every Offer is a fixed price job to ensure that you never worry about any hidden extras.You pay only the list price no matter how much time the Freelancer spends.

Your money doesn’t go directly to the Freelancer; we keep it secure in escrow until the work is done to specification and you are satisfied with the deliverables.

After purchase, you should contact the Freelancer and let them know about your requirements. This is when you can add your input to the Offer making it completely bespoke to your business.

• You buy an Offer and your payment is held in escrow
• You contact the Freelancer and specify your requirements
• Work is delivered
• If you are happy you release the money to the Freelancer

This keeps it secure until work is delivered. You pay only the list price no matter how much time it takes the Freelancer to complete.

This is when you can make your Offer completely bespoke to your business.

• Work is delivered.

In the unlikely event that you're not completely happy with the work done, we will refund the full amount directly to you.

Consider also

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Ocd - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts or obsessions that lead to compulsive behaviors or actions in an attempt to alleviate the anxiety caused by those thoughts. People with OCD may feel compelled to excessively wash their hands, check locks, or perform other behaviors in order to reduce their anxiety, but ultimately find that the compulsive behaviors only provide temporary relief. OCD can be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life and relationships, but effective treatment options such as therapy and medication are available.

• 📘 Free essay examples for your ideas about Ocd
• 🏆 Best Essay Topics on Ocd
• ⚡ Simple & Ocd Easy Topics
• 🎓 Good Research Topics about Ocd
• ❓ Questions and Answers

Essay examples

Essay topic.

Save to my list

Remove from my list

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)- Psychiatric Disease
• The Case study was conducted at Celso G. Mandocdoc
• Brain Hiccup (Ocd)
• Speech Outline on Ocd
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Psychology)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Signs, and Risk Factors
• Outline and evaluate psychological explanations for OCD
• Clinical Psychology OCD treatment and approaches
• A Case Study of Obsessive Impulsive Disorder
• OCD in the Aviator
• A Psychiatric Disorder with a Biologic Basis: OCD
• A Study of Traumatic Life Events in Link with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• According to National Institute of Mental Health obsessivecompulsive disorder OCD is a
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• What is OCD?
• What are the symptoms of OCD?
• What causes OCD?
• Is OCD a mental disorder?
• How is OCD diagnosed?
• What are the treatments for OCD?
• Can OCD be cured?
• What is the prognosis for OCD?
• What are the complications of OCD?
• How can I prevent OCD?
• What should I do if I think I have OCD?
• 1Where can I get help for OCD?
• 1What are the support groups for OCD?
• 1What are the online resources for OCD?

FAQ about Ocd

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

OCD Research Proposal

Related Papers

addiction research

Anat Ben Salmon , ofer erez

As clinicians specializing in the treatment of patients who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and those suffering from other anxiety disorders, the Covid 19 pandemic had revealed surprising features of these patients' coping mechanisms. We observed that while the general population reported an increase in anxiety levels and associated symptoms, patients suffering from OCD reported less anxiety and stress than before the pandemic. While the feeling of uncertainty in almost all life domains was the predominating experience of the general population, OCD patients surprisingly reported experiencing a reduction in stress. As psychotherapists, we were fascinated by this phenomenon and attempted to investigate the origin of this paradox. In this paper, in order to contain the complexity of OCD in both the theory and practice of it's treatment, we present a two-track approach to the disorder involving the structures and mechanisms of addiction. People who suffer from OCD experience recurring, intruding sensations, thoughts, and ideas (obsessions) that make them feel impelled to conduct repetitive actions (compulsions) [1]. These repetitive cycles significantly interfere with the person's daily functioning as well as their social interactions. A lot of people experience preoccupation with troublesome recurring thoughts, as well as behaviours which they regularly repeat. However, these may contribute structure to their daily lives and some necessary functions require repeated actions in order for them to be more efficient such as brushing teeth before going to sleep and when waking up. On the contrary, the repetitive behaviors of OCD are distracting, non-functional and eventually elevate stress and tension even more. Most of us associate behaviours such as hand washing, cleaning, organizing, checking or counting our steps with OCD [1]. However, in fact, OCD can take a variety of forms, which are not always easy for people to recognize in themselves, nor are very obvious to the observer, thus making the phenomenon more difficult to identify, diagnose and treat at its early stages. According to Colon-Rivera and Howland [1], OCD develops from a strong sensation of anxiety aroused by recurring threatening thoughts [1]. Although for the observer, the conviction of the person suffering from OCD tends to appear unfounded, the person suffering from the disorder is convinced that the threat is very real, and possesses practical implications. In this process, internal conviction develops concerning actions which the person should conduct in order to prevent the realisation of the danger resulting from the threat [2]. Under the instruction of the OCD mechanism, the person develops a mystical belief in the efficiency of the compulsion dictated by the disorder, which it is necessary to conduct in order to reduce the danger in real occurrence, providing him with immediate relief. This results in an illusionary feeling of control over external occurrences which he believes to be very real. The person also possesses internal and absolute conviction that if he does not take the necessary action (compulsion), the likelihood that the worst scenario will soon occur is certain. This conviction is usually based upon his internal omnipotent thinking and the person suffering from the disorder can provide a rational explanation for the protocol of activities. The complexity of the structure and mechanisms of OCD requires a profound investigation into its etiological roots as well as the development and progress of the disorder. Moreover, many features

Journal of Psychiatric Research

Eurípedes Miguel

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

Vladan Starcevic

Journal of Anxiety Disorders

Adrian Wells

IOSR Journals

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an easily diagnosable disease, but it raises equally well in multiple differential diagnoses, given the "ease" with which it moves from the neurotic spectrum to the psychotic pole, when it becomes poorly critical or when the ideation reaches obsessive intensity. Materials and Methods: The methods used were the initial psychological evaluation, the progressive one, the structured and unstructured clinical interview, psychoanalytic psychotherapy cure, periodical psychiatric evaluation and treatment monitoring, psychoanalytic interpretations, analysis of transference and countertransference dynamics, the transgenerational analysis, the analysis of his social functioning, psychological monitoring, as well as the psychiatric treatment. Results: The present case describes the need for this clinical delimitation for the nuanced exposure of a pathology of this bill. The explicit symptomatology of a patient with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a clinical challenge. We aim to highlight the underlying depression and impairment of social functioning. The patient works with money, has fixations from childhood in the hypochondriac area and in psychoanalytic thinking during the analytical period, later obsessive thoughts and representations being centered on loved ones (wife and children), as well as religion and faith. On closer inspection, we notice that childhood hypochondria later turns into OCD (with a minimum period free of symptoms) and after treating the area of obsession, the intensity of depression is even better highlighted. Conclusion: A patient of this bill will "hide" major depression behind OCD; as well as depending on the stage of the disease may associate a greater or lesser criticism, in relation to the voluntary conscious effort involved in the act of repression (mostly unsuccessful).

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice

Fugen Neziroglu

John Hart, PHD

Experiential avoidance (EA) involves an unwillingness to remain in contact or experience unpleasant private events through attempts to avoid or escape from these experiences. EA is hypothesized to play a role in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however, previous studies have not found a significant relationship between EA and OCD severity. The present study examined the relationship between EA and OCD severity as measured by an updated measure of EA, an established measure of OCD severity (i.e., the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised [OCI-R]), and a new measure of OCD symptom dimension severity, the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS). A sample of 83 nonreferred individuals meeting criteria for OCD completed the measures. Correlations between EA and the OCI-R corroborated previous findings; however, EA was significantly correlated with the DOCS. There were differences across the symptom dimensions , with EA significantly correlated with unacceptable thoughts, responsibility for harm, and symmetry, but not with contamination. (Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 78[3], 253–269) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by compulsions (repetitive behaviors or internal mental acts aimed at reducing anxiety) and/or obsessions (recurrent and intrusive thoughts or images that result in increased anxiety and distress) (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

Monnica Williams

Amitai Abramovitch

The prevailing conceptual model for Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) posits that obsessions drive compulsive rituals that serve to control or reduce obsessional distress. In recent years, an alternative hypothesis to explain the symptoms of OCD was suggested — the 'habit-driven' hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, compulsions are the result of aberrant dysregulation of stimulus-response habit learning and obsessions are post hoc rationalizations of otherwise unexplained compulsive behaviors. In this article, we describe this hypothesis and briefly review data presented to support it. Next, we raise four questions about this hypothesis to explore how it fits the complex phenotype of OCD: (i) What are the deficits in the goal-directed system in OCD? (ii) How should we define and measure habits in humans? (iii) Are compulsions habits in the technical sense? and (iv) Are obsessions caused by compulsions? We conclude that how an imbalance in goal-directed versus habit behaviors might contribute to the complex phenotype of OCD is yet to be revealed.

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

Ryan Jacoby

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

Iris Publishers LLC

iris publishers

Clinical psychology review

Psychiatry Research

Daphne Simeon

Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy

Hector Garcia

Psychiatric Clinics of North America

Current Psychiatry Reports

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Albina Torres

Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences

Jérôme Endrass

Comprehensive psychiatry

Dan J Stein

The Qualitative Report

Anindita Bhattacharya

Psychological Assessment

Meredith Coles

Psychiatric Quarterly

David Berle , Vladan Starcevic

European Neuropsychopharmacology

Abraham Weizman

Journal of Abnormal Psychology

Fabien Gagnon

Paul Emmelkamp

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

• Disorders Essay Topics Topics: 554
• Hepatitis Essay Topics Topics: 57
• Hypertension Essay Topics Topics: 155
• BPD Paper Topics Topics: 49
• Breast Cancer Paper Topics Topics: 145
• Bipolar Disorder Essay Topics Topics: 121
• Cognitive Therapy Paper Topics Topics: 58
• Asthma Topics Topics: 155
• Dorothea Orem’s Theory Research Topics Topics: 85
• Heart Attack Topics Topics: 54
• Chronic Pain Paper Topics Topics: 70
• Communicable Disease Research Topics Topics: 58
• Patient Safety Topics Topics: 148
• Arthritis Paper Topics Topics: 58
• Stroke Paper Topics Topics: 75

77 DID Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on did, 🎓 most interesting did research titles, 💡 simple did essay ideas, ❓ research questions about dissociative identity disorder.

• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Causes and Treatment
• Diagnosing Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Trauma or Fantasy
• Connection Between Child Sexual Abuse and Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Self-Reported Sleep Disturbances in Patients With Dissociative Identity Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Dissociating the World: Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Mr. Brooks: The Movie on Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder and Psychological Abuse
• Living With Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Daydreaming or Lost in Our Own Thoughts
• Systemic Case Formulation, Individualized Process Monitoring, and State Dynamics
• The Issues and Criticisms Surrounding Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Relationship Between Dissociative Identity Disorder and Suicide
• Frontal and Occipital Perfusion Changes in Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder in Humans
• Connection Between Dissociative Identity Disorder and Criminal Behavior
• Representation of Dissociative Identity Disorder in the Film “Shutter Island”
• Application of Memory Malingering Test to Identify Individuals With Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Cortical Thickness and Subcortical Volumes in Dissociative Identity and Mood Disorders
• Neuropsychiatry of Dissociative Identity Disorder: Why Split Personality Patients Switch Personalities Intermittently
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Reality of Multiple Personalities
• Revisiting False-Positive and Imitated Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: What You Need To Know
• The Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder: Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis
• How “Moon Knight” Plays Into Hollywood’s Obsession With Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Disorganized Attachment and the Orbitofrontal Cortex as the Basis for the Development of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Inter-Identity Autobiographical Amnesia in Patients With Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Pathophysiological Phenomenon
• The Correlation Between Stress and the Development of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder Presented in Popular Movies and the Possible Impacts on Public Stereotypes
• How Dissociative Identity Disorder Affects Daily Life and How You Can Help
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: What It’s Like to Live With Multiple Personalities
• What Are the Root Causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Is It a Valid Diagnosis?
• Relationship Between Dissociative Identity Disorder and Violent Behaviour
• The Unfolding of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Psychobiological Characteristics of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Medicolegal Challenges
• 4 Signs of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• From Split to Psycho: Why Cinema Fails Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder as an Insanity Defense
• How DID Patients Reacted to “Moon Knight”
• Co-occurrence of Dissociative Identity Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder
• Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy for Patients With Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Validity and Etiology of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Exploitation of Dissociative Identity Disorder Through the Entertainment Industry
• The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Dissociative Identity
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Application of Memory Malingering Test
• What Brain Imaging Shows About Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Biggest Risk Factor for Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Myths and Media Portrayals of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Are Persons With Dissociative Identity Disorder Responsible for Bad Actions Committed When in an Alter State?
• What Percentage of People With Dissociative Identity Disorder Were Abused?
• Can Emotional Abuse Cause Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• How Does Trauma Affect Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• Do People With DID Have Panic Attacks?
• What Happens in the Brain of Someone With Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• Can a Brain Scan Show Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• What Famous Person Has Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• How Does Dissociative Identity Disorder Affect Relationships?
• What Type of Abuse Is Most Commonly Associated With Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• At What Age Do Dissociative Disorders Develop?
• What Is the Most Common Alter in DID?
• Can a Person With Dissociative Identity Disorder Live a Normal Life?
• Are People Born With Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• What Serial Killer Had Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• How Do Therapists Diagnose DID?
• What Is the Best Treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• Do People With DID Have Anxiety?
• What Part of the Brain Causes Dissociative Identity Disorder?
• Is Dissociative Identity Disorder Brain Damage?
• Why Is It Hard to Get Diagnosed With DID?
• Is Schizophrenia the Same as DID?
• What Are Some Disorders That Might Be Confused With DID?
• Do People With DID Have Memory Loss?
• What Type of Therapy Is Best for Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Cite this post

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, June 5). 77 DID Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/did-essay-topics/

"77 DID Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 5 June 2022, studycorgi.com/ideas/did-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) '77 DID Essay Topics'. 5 June.

1. StudyCorgi . "77 DID Essay Topics." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/did-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "77 DID Essay Topics." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/did-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "77 DID Essay Topics." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/did-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on DID were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

100 OCD Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD often struggle with unwanted thoughts or obsessions that cause anxiety, leading them to engage in rituals or compulsions to alleviate their distress. If you are studying psychology or mental health, writing an essay on OCD can be a fascinating and informative topic. To help you get started, here are 100 OCD essay topic ideas and examples:

• The history and evolution of OCD as a recognized mental health disorder.
• Common obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD.
• The prevalence of OCD in different demographic groups.
• The role of genetics in the development of OCD.
• How OCD is diagnosed and treated in clinical settings.
• The relationship between OCD and other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
• The impact of OCD on daily functioning and quality of life.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy as a treatment for OCD.
• The use of medication in managing OCD symptoms.
• The stigma and misconceptions surrounding OCD.
• The neurobiological basis of OCD.
• The effects of childhood trauma on the development of OCD.
• The link between OCD and perfectionism.
• The role of family dynamics in the maintenance of OCD symptoms.
• The impact of OCD on relationships and social interactions.
• The effectiveness of exposure therapy in treating OCD.
• The relationship between OCD and hoarding disorder.
• The cultural differences in the presentation and treatment of OCD.
• The impact of OCD on academic and occupational performance.
• The use of mindfulness techniques in managing OCD symptoms.
• The role of stress in triggering OCD symptoms.
• The challenges of living with OCD in a society that values productivity and efficiency.
• The role of self-care in managing OCD symptoms.
• The link between OCD and body dysmorphic disorder.
• The comorbidity of OCD with substance use disorders.
• The impact of media portrayals of OCD on public perceptions.
• The relationship between OCD and eating disorders.
• The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in treating OCD.
• The role of peer support groups in managing OCD symptoms.
• The impact of trauma-focused therapy on OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and intrusive thoughts.
• The use of relaxation techniques in managing OCD symptoms.
• The impact of OCD on financial well-being.
• The effectiveness of teletherapy in treating OCD.
• The link between OCD and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder).
• The role of exercise in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The impact of sleep disturbances on OCD symptoms.
• The use of art therapy in managing OCD symptoms.
• The effectiveness of group therapy in treating OCD.
• The relationship between OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The impact of stigma on help-seeking behaviors among individuals with OCD.
• The role of peer support groups in reducing feelings of isolation among individuals with OCD.
• The relationship between OCD and substance use disorders.
• The impact of OCD on romantic relationships.
• The use of cognitive restructuring in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and social anxiety disorder.
• The role of mindfulness-based stress reduction in treating OCD.
• The impact of OCD on academic performance.
• The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin picking).
• The impact of stigma on treatment adherence among individuals with OCD.
• The role of animal-assisted therapy in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and impulse control disorders.
• The impact of OCD on family dynamics.
• The use of biofeedback in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and sleep disorders.
• The impact of OCD on self-esteem.
• The role of occupational therapy in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and personality disorders.
• The impact of OCD on parenting.
• The use of exposure and response prevention therapy in treating OCD.
• The relationship between OCD and emotional dysregulation.
• The impact of OCD on physical health.
• The role of dialectical behavior therapy in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
• The impact of OCD on social functioning.
• The use of technology in managing OCD symptoms (e.g., apps, online therapy).
• The relationship between OCD and trauma-related disorders.
• The impact of OCD on cognitive functioning.
• The role of spirituality in managing OCD symptoms.
• The relationship between OCD and attachment disorders.
• The impact of OCD on body image.
• The use of exposure therapy in managing OCD symptoms in children.
• The relationship between OCD and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• The role of family therapy in managing OCD symptoms.

In conclusion, writing an essay on OCD can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the complexities of this mental health condition and its impact on individuals' lives. With these 100 essay topic ideas and examples, you can delve into various aspects of OCD and contribute to the understanding and awareness of this disorder. Good luck with your essay writing!

Want to research companies faster?

Instantly access industry insights

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Leverage powerful AI research capabilities

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2024 Pitchgrade

Good Example Papers: Free Essay Examples, Research Papers, Dissertations, Thesis Papers

Find free example essays, examples of research papers, term papers, dissertation and thesis examples. Any paper topics and subjects for you!

Research Paper on OCD

Example research paper on ocd:.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry; by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety; or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. There is a great number of OCD symptoms, like excessive washing or cleaning (one fears that he is too dirty and washes hands every five minutes); repeated checking; preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts; relationship-related obsessions; aversion to particular numbers (one fears to do something important in particular days and dates of the week and month); and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room.

PapersMart.net can write a Custom Research Paper on OCD for You!

These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and financial distress. The most common targets of OCD are children, who are afraid of many things and believe nearly in everything. When a kid does such things, he is not considered to be ill, but when a grown-up person faces this problem, it is a sign to act and get rid of it.

The problem is quite common among children, so parents are looking for good specialists, psychologists who are able to make the life of a kid calmer. Students who study medicine and psychology are supposed to know how to react in such situations, and they are offered to write a research paper on the topic. A well-organized research paper should be informative, interesting and describe the symptoms of the disorder in detail, its reasons and consequences. A successful paper should contain deep analysis of the problem and present effective methods and solutions of the problem.

Every student who has to present good methods which are effective enough to reduce the power of the disorder faces many problems with paper writing. To begin with, one needs to read quite a lot to understand the topic well and to be able draw wise conclusions on it. It is always problematic for young people to organize the paper properly, compose the papers according to the required standards. In order to make the writing process easier and more effective, students read free examples of research papers on OCD in children.

The help of the samples can not be overestimated, because when a student reads it, he starts to understand the standards of writing, proper formatting of the text, proper way of data analysis and the whole manner of writing. A good free sample of research paper on OCD is the best help, if the only problem is not the content on the topic but the organizational aspect. Only a sample can illustrate the composition of the paper and the whole presentation of the research successfully.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Attention! Free research papers, examples of research papers and research paper samples on OCD are easily traced by plagiarism checkers like Turnitin. All online research papers are plagiarized. Don’t submit free research projects as your own academic paper.

You can order a custom research paper on this topic at our professional research paper writing agency. Our PhD and Master’s degree holding academic experts will write a high-quality custom research paper, research proposal, term paper, essay or dissertation on any topic and subject. Our research paper service provides high school, college and university students with 100% original custom research papers written from scratch. We guarantee each customer confidentiality and prompt delivery. Feel free to place a free inquiry at our website now:

• ← Research Paper on Social Media
• Christian Ethics Research Paper →

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Current ye@r *

Leave this field empty

• Example essays
• Example research papers
• Example research proposals
• Example term papers
• Translations
• Writing tips