Research

Advancing our understanding of OCD and related disorders is at the heart of the IOCDF's mission. We fund groundbreaking studies, foster a wide-reaching community of researchers and experts, and connect individuals with opportunities to participate in research initiatives. Our commitment to knowledge has yielded remarkable insights and life-changing breakthroughs and continues to influence ongoing cutting-edge research. Some key discoveries from IOCDF-funded research:

Effective Treatment: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) have demonstrated effectiveness in treating OCD and related disorders across all age groups, even via telehealth platforms.
Unraveling Causes: OCD and related disorders have been linked to significant differences in brain regions associated with cognition, emotion, memory, and motor movements, as well as neurotransmitters such as glutamate.
Environmental Influences: Although African Americans experience OCD at similar rates as the general population, they are less likely to receive treatment such as ERP and/or medications.

Since our inception in 1994, we have proudly awarded 145 research grants, totaling nearly $11 million in funding. These grants have been pivotal in driving progress and innovation in OCD research.

Explore our Research Study Archive to delve into these studies and consider making a contribution to help pave the way for the next breakthrough in OCD research.

For Researchers

We invite researchers of all backgrounds and experience levels to explore the unique research opportunities offered by IOCDF.

The IOCDF provides funding support for researchers in the OCD and related disorders field through the IOCDF Research Grant Program. We also offer researchers the opportunity to present their findings and share data through the IOCDF Research Symposium, a “by researchers, for researchers” annual event, submit a poster for the symposium or Annual OCD Conference, and recruit participants via the IOCDF website.

Stay Informed on Research Opportunities:

Sign up to receive email updates on the application process for the IOCDF Research Grant Program, opportunities to present your research at events like the IOCDF Research Symposium, and more!

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