Prof. dr. Odile van den Heuvel received a Vici grant in the 2024 round of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Vici is one of the largest scientific grants for individuals in the Netherlands and is intended for advanced researchers. This funding enables scientists to set up their own innovative line of research and put together their own research group. Congratulations Odile!

Neuroplasticity in obsessive-compulsive disorder: from lifespan changes to better treatment outcomes

(Re)shaping the compulsive brain. How the brain shapes during development contributes to the risk to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviours. Chronic symptoms, by the power of repetition, can also shape the involved brain circuits. The brain is ‘plastic’. By intensive behavioural therapy and magnetic brain stimulation, we can ‘re-shape’ the brain. Since everybody (including their brain) is different, the treatment effect will be best, when optimally aligned to the profile of the individual.

Do you want to know more about the Vici? Visit the website of NWO for more information!