Researchers in NYU Langone’s Department of Psychiatry investigate the neurobiology and behavior associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder and related conditions, including Tourette’s syndrome. We also study novel treatments for these disorders.

This work is led by Emily R. Stern, PhD, who examines symptom heterogeneity in obsessive–compulsive disorder and the relationship to brain function and structure and clinical outcomes. Dr. Stern and her colleagues use functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion imaging methods with and without pharmacologic manipulation to probe the neural mechanisms associated with different phenotypic presentations of the disorder. The goal is to develop treatments targeting an individual patient’s unique clinical and biological profile.

Dr. Stern also collaborates with research laboratories focusing on major depression and autism spectrum disorders to investigate differences and similarities in symptoms and neurocircuitry across various disorders.

Current Grants

Grant funding from the National Institutes of Health supports our research on obsessive–compulsive disorder.

National Institute of Mental Health

Behavioral and Neural Heterogeneity in OCD and Depression; R01MH126981

Neurobiology of Sensory Phenomena in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder; R01MH111794

The Effects of Ondansetron on Neural Systems and Symptoms Associated with Sensory Phenomena; R33MH107589

Contact Us

To learn more about our ongoing studies or eligibility criteria, contact Amanda Belanger, clinical research coordinator, at 212-404-3919, or email pnclab@nyulangone.org.

Featured Publications

Dr. Stern and her colleagues regularly publish on obsessive–compulsive disorder and related topics in peer-reviewed journals. Here is a selection of our recent publications.