Brain imaging has improved our understanding of OCD, but biological causes are still unclear at this time. While previous studies have identified alterations in the volume or thickness of certain brain regions, other important aspects—like brain curvature, folding, and shape—have not been properly explored in research. Moreover it is still unclear which brain alterations are specific to OCD and which are shared with other mental health conditions.

This project will include two studies. The first will use multiple, previously unexplored brain imaging measures to identify brain structural alterations in OCD. The second will compare brain changes in OCD to those seen in other conditions (including autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and depression), to find out which changes are common across disorders and which are unique to OCD.