Does your child need to do things over and over again? Have a fear of contamination or dirt? He or she may have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A research study on OCD is being conducted by UF Department of Psychiatry. Your child must be between 7-17 years old and in general good health. The study includes the following: office visits, medical exams, laboratory tests, psychiatric evaluations and supportive therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and study medication (sertraline or placebo). If eligible there is no cost to participate. Participants will be seen by board certified child psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, and qualified study coordinators. If interested please contact us by phone at 352-392-3613 or e-mail us at: UFOCDprogram@psychiatry.ufl.edu .
The University of Florida is also recruiting more adults who are interested in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for OCD. An advantage is access to the treatment team, including the surgeon, who are the experts for this kind of surgery and the use of a better electrode than would normally be made available. Nikki Ricciuti, RN, LMHC is the primary contact for this project and would be happy to talk to anyone who is interested. Call 352-392-8316 or email her at nikkir@ufl.edu.
A FAMILY GENETIC STUDY OF TOURETTE SYNDROME, ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER, AND OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
www.ts-adhd-ocd.org
The goal of the Family Genetic Study is to uncover the genetic and non-genetic factors important in the development of Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The main purpose of this work is to collect information about behavioral patterns that are shared in common by these disorders. We will also look at whether those behavioral patterns are inherited. This study is funded by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Who is eligible to participate in this research? We are looking for families with at least one child age 6 or older who is diagnosed with TS, OCD, and/or ADHD.
Studies Our research studies are aimed at developing a better understanding of neurobiological changes that underlie OCD, understanding ways in which different forms of OCD may be distinct from one another, and development of novel pharmacological treatments.
All patients who come to us receive a thorough and thoughtful clinical evaluation by Clinic psychiatrists and other personnel. We will seek to understand your condition, what treatments you have tried in the past (and which have benefited you), and any other issues – psychiatric, medical, or social – that may be affecting your symptoms and quality of life. In many cases, and in all cases where participation in one of our research studies seems appropriate, this evaluation will also involve a physical examination, laboratory tests, and an electrocardiogram. Some patients do not seem a good match for our research studies, in which case we endeavor to provide a useful treatment consultation; in some cases we are able to offer ongoing medication management or psychotherapy. If participation in one of our studies seems appropriate, those options will be thoroughly explained to you so that you can make an informed decision as to which research you wish to participate in.
