Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What are the possible
benefits from being in this research study?
Although participation will not provide much immediate benefit to you or your family, we hope that this study will help us understand more about why OCD occurs in some families. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this study may help researchers find improved interventions and methods to prevent OCD.
2. Is participation in the study confidential?
Yes. All information obtained during testing, as well as your name and contact information, are kept strictly confidential. All information we collect is coded with study-specific ID numbers for identification your name is never recorded on any of the interview or testing materials. We will not discuss any information that you share with us with anyone who is not working on this research study. In addition, none of your research data will be released to your doctor or become part of your medical record.
3. Will I be paid to take part in this research study?
Yes. As a thank-you for participating in the Longitudinal Family OCD Study, each parent involved will receive $200 for the assessment and each child will receive a gift certificates both for their participation in the interview portion of the study and for the MRI portion of the study.
The interview, assessments, MRI, DNA testing, and all other procedures in this study will be done at no cost to you.
4. What is the time commitment of this study?
Study participation will require approximately 4 ½ hours on the initial visit and for the follow-up phone-calls, families will be asked to complete 30 minutes of assessment per child. In addition, the MRI portion of the study takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour per person.
6. Can visits take place at my home?
Mostly. The clinical and neuropsychological assessments can take place in your home. Although we prefer to schedule visits at MGH, we can also come to your home if it is more convenient for you. We require separate, enclosed rooms for each member of the family in order to complete the tests. It is very important that each room is enclosed to prevent any noise distraction during testing, especially during memory and attention tasks.
Unfortunately the MRI appointment must take place at McLean hospital as the MRI machine is not portable.
7. Do I have to complete all of the testing in one day?
No. Typically you will complete the interview and assessments during the first visit. If you would prefer to split the interview up into multiple sessions, we can accommodate this request. The questionnaires are generally completed at your convenience. The MRI will be scheduled for a different day than the interview and assessment.
8. Can I schedule a visit in the evening or on the weekend?
Yes. We can accommodate evening and weekend visits, as well as some holiday visits.
9. What kinds of interviews are administered?
The interviews ask about symptoms of OCD as well as any psychiatric and emotional problems that you or your children are experiencing. Please note that all information obtained during the interviews is strictly confidential, and you have the right to refuse to answer any questions you choose.
The questionnaires consist of questions related to family life, behavior, environment, and other characteristics about you and your family.
10. What is the MRI like and who gets one?
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine looks like a large donut with a hole running down the middle. You will be asked to lie down on your back on a padded table and place your head in a special holder. Soft pads will be placed on the sides of your head to keep your head still. The table will slide you inside the machine.
While we take pictures of your brain, you will hear a number of different sounds. Some of these sounds are loud and normal. These noises change depending on what type of picture we are taking and include: sounds like a hammer hitting a piece of wood, buzzing noises, and long loud beeps. Sometimes, you won't hear any sounds. We will give you earplugs to block out some of the noise.
During some scans, you may have the choice of viewing a movie or listening to music; however, it is really important to keep your head as still as possible.
All participating children are asked to get an MRI scan.
The MRI machine is a strong magnet and is not suitable for people with metal in their body (e.g. pacemakers, screws/metal plates, braces). In addition, we will not image women that are pregnant or breast-feeding. The MRI team will ask you questions to determine that it is safe for you to participate.
12. What is involved in the DNA collection?
To collect your DNA, one of our trained staff will collect a small amount of blood from your arm. If we are unable to get a blood sample, we will collect a saliva sample instead.
13. I do not live in
Yes. If you live in the
14. Will my child receive medication or treatment as part of study participation?
No. There is no medication or treatment component to this study.
15. Is free parking available at MGH and McLean?
Yes. We offer free parking to all families who schedule visits with us at MGH. The parking garage is a short walk from our building. Please refer to our Directions link for more information.
Free parking is also available at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA for the MRI.
16. If I have questions or concerns about this research study, who can I call?
Please feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions or concerns that you
may have. Our project director, Gregory Chasson, Ph.D., can be reached at 1-800-CURE-OCD (1-877-287-3623) or at ocdfamilystudy@partners.org.
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Disorder (OCD).
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