Assessing OCD Subtypes: Response Inhibition and Error Monitoring Through the Stop Signal Paradigm
Mentor 1
Han Joo Lee
Mentor 2
Bryce Arseneau
Mentor 3
Maryam Ayazi
Start Date
16-4-2021 12:00 AM
Description
Autogenous obsessions (AO) are unrealistic threatening mental intrusions (e.g., unacceptable violent thoughts), whereas reactive obsessions (RO) are realistic aversive mental intrusions (e.g., contamination concerns). Stop signal reaction times (SSRTs) are the time it takes from the stop signal (e.g., beep stimulus) to the time the participant responds (e.g., clicking left/right arrow). Research has shown obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) severity does not predict SSRT, however, SSRT differences and their corresponding event-related potential (ERP) components have still not been addressed for OCD subtypes. This is of interest because slower SSRTs represent inhibition deficits. The purpose of this study is to understand how OCD symptoms are represented within electroencephalogram (EEG) and ERP signals using the stop signal paradigm, and to also understand how AO and RO subtypes are presented within this paradigm. The present study will recruit 120 participants and use psychological measures for screening. Individuals will be assigned to either AO, RO, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or control groups. N2/ERN will be driven by the stop signal task and measured via EEG with subsequent analysis of these ERP components in comparison to SSRT. It is hypothesized that the AO subtype group, compared to other groups, will reflect both higher N2/ERN amplitudes and the largest SSRT showing deficits in response inhibition. By examining behavioral inhibition and executive control through N2, ERN, and SSRTs, classifications of obsession subtypes and OCD psychopathology can be better understood. As a result, specific clinical interventions could be utilized to address subtype related perceived threats. A limitation of the study is a clinical population will not be used. The present study is the first of its kind to examine N2 and ERN for two subgroups of OCD.
Assessing OCD Subtypes: Response Inhibition and Error Monitoring Through the Stop Signal Paradigm
Autogenous obsessions (AO) are unrealistic threatening mental intrusions (e.g., unacceptable violent thoughts), whereas reactive obsessions (RO) are realistic aversive mental intrusions (e.g., contamination concerns). Stop signal reaction times (SSRTs) are the time it takes from the stop signal (e.g., beep stimulus) to the time the participant responds (e.g., clicking left/right arrow). Research has shown obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) severity does not predict SSRT, however, SSRT differences and their corresponding event-related potential (ERP) components have still not been addressed for OCD subtypes. This is of interest because slower SSRTs represent inhibition deficits. The purpose of this study is to understand how OCD symptoms are represented within electroencephalogram (EEG) and ERP signals using the stop signal paradigm, and to also understand how AO and RO subtypes are presented within this paradigm. The present study will recruit 120 participants and use psychological measures for screening. Individuals will be assigned to either AO, RO, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or control groups. N2/ERN will be driven by the stop signal task and measured via EEG with subsequent analysis of these ERP components in comparison to SSRT. It is hypothesized that the AO subtype group, compared to other groups, will reflect both higher N2/ERN amplitudes and the largest SSRT showing deficits in response inhibition. By examining behavioral inhibition and executive control through N2, ERN, and SSRTs, classifications of obsession subtypes and OCD psychopathology can be better understood. As a result, specific clinical interventions could be utilized to address subtype related perceived threats. A limitation of the study is a clinical population will not be used. The present study is the first of its kind to examine N2 and ERN for two subgroups of OCD.
