Actively Recruiting
Caloric Vestibular Stimulation for Modulation of Insight in Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-01-22
16
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRD), such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, cause chronic and disabling symptoms that affect millions. These disorders involve intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and insight into these symptoms varies among individuals. This research evaluates whether stimulating the vestibular system on one side of the head can change insight levels in people with OCRD by activating brain areas thought to influence awareness of illness. Participants with OCRD will undergo caloric vestibular stimulation by receiving about a 60-second infusion of cold (4°C) distilled water into either the right or left external ear canal. The study randomly assigns participants to one of these two groups. Before and after the stimulation, researchers will assess changes in OCD symptom severity and insight using clinical measures. During the study, participants will be evaluated using the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS) to measure changes in clinical insight. This assessment occurs about one hour after the stimulation. The study design includes single blinding and randomized allocation. Participants must meet specific diagnostic and safety criteria and will be monitored throughout the trial, which runs until December 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Caloric Vestibular Stimulation for Modulation of Insight in Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18-65
- Primary diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder, or Somatic Symptom Disorder (excluding "with predominant pain")
- Strongly held OCRD-related concerns meeting BABS score criterion
- No recent change in psychopharmacological treatment, if any
- Capacity to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Psychiatric or medical conditions (e.g., vertigo, history of otological surgery) that might make participation unsafe
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Active or recent substance use
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session lasting approximately 1 hour
Participants receive a brief cold water infusion into either the right or left external ear canal to stimulate the vestibular system. Measures of symptom severity and insight are taken before and after stimulation.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Pavithra Mukunda, MS
M
Maria Filippou-Frye, MD, MBS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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