Neuromodulation for a Novel OCD Biomarker and Treatment

Part of paid clinical trials in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sponsor
Boston University Charles River Campus
Study ID
NCT05994053
Status
Recruiting
Apply to this trial

Conditions

  • OCD

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • high definition transcranial alternating current stimulation — DEVICE
    low intensity alternating current to OFC

Study Details

Although multiple treatments for OCD exist, slow symptom decrease, high remission, and significant side effects for some OCD patients limit their efficacy. More research into the precise neural mechanisms and linked cognitive functions in OCD is also necessary. To address both concerns, this study by Dr. Reinhart and his team will test a new, non-invasive, and well-tolerated neuromodulation method for reducing OCD symptoms, based on reward-related rhythms of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; a brain region responsible for reward, decision making and other crucial functions that is affected by OCD). This proposal is based on highly encouraging preliminary data in both subsyndromal and treatment-resistant populations that shows rapid reductions in OCD behaviors that last at least 1-3 months. Using high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) guided by EEG brain wave recordings, the study will test whether repetitive modulation of relevant rhythm activity in the OFC can lead to rapid (within five days) and sustainable (up to three months) OCD symptom reduction. This research aims to increase knowledge of OCD and development of effective treatment with minimal side effects.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 1, 2024
Status verified
Sep 2025
Primary completion
Aug 31, 2026
Completion
Aug 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
90 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Active HD-tACS
    HD-tACS of OFC
  • Sham Comparator: Sham HD-tACS
    HD-tACS of OFC

Primary Outcome Measure

YBOCS [ Time Frame: day 5 of intervention ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (BU-CARD)BostonMassachusetts02215
Michael Otto, PhD

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By research site
Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (BU-CARD)· Boston, MA

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