Eligibility Details:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with a primary diagnosis of OCD (DSM 5) according to the MINI
- Y-BOCS score of ≥20.
- MADRS < 18
Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants with current Major Depressive Disorder.
- Patients with significant suicidal ideation (MADRS item 10 ≥ 3) or who have enacted
suicidal behaviors within 6 months prior to intake will be excluded from study
participation and referred for appropriate clinical intervention.
- Individuals with current autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, etc.), inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes.
- Current use of any psychotropic agent SSRIs, benzodiazepines, MAO Inhibitors,
tricyclic antidepressants. Past pharmacotherapy is permitted if treatment ended 3
months prior to sampling.
- Current use of herbal psychoactive treatments i.e. St. John's Wort, Kava Kava,
Chamomile Extract, Valeria. Past use is permitted if treatment ended 3 months prior to
sampling.
- Participants receiving current psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy
for an anxiety or mood disorder 3 months prior to sampling.
- Patients who currently fulfill criteria for a lifetime history of bipolar disorder,
history of drug abuse, a history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders,
delirium, dementia and amnesic and other cognitive disorders, or are in a current
agitated state.
- Patients meeting criteria for current substance use disorder.
- A body mass index (BMI) >30
- Antibiotic or probiotic use within 8 weeks of sampling. Patients beginning antibiotic
treatment or probiotic use during Phase II of the study will be excluded.