Actively Recruiting
Exploring the Efficacy of Temporal Interference Stimulation in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Led by Shanghai Mental Health Center · Updated on 2026-03-10
18
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the use of Temporal Interference (TI) stimulation as a treatment for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This clinical trial aims to understand how effective TI stimulation is in reducing OCD symptoms and to explore the brain mechanisms involved through MRI and EEG imaging. The study compares stimulating different brain regions to evaluate their impact on OCD symptoms. The trial has three phases. In Phase 1, participants are randomly assigned to receive either sham stimulation, or active stimulation targeting the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) or the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). In Phase 2, those who do not respond to initial treatment receive stimulation in the opposite brain region, while sham participants are re-randomized to active groups. In an exploratory Phase 3, remaining non-responders may receive stimulation targeting the caudate nucleus, putamen, or amygdala. Each stimulation session lasts 20 minutes and is delivered twice daily for 7 consecutive days per phase. Participants undergo comprehensive assessments including clinical evaluations, self-reported symptom scales, MRI, EEG, and cognitive tests before and after each phase. Follow-up assessments occur up to 4 weeks after treatment, with symptom scales repeated one week after each phase. Researchers measure improvements in OCD symptoms compared to baseline to assess treatment effects. The total participation period varies depending on response and chosen phases.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Efficacy of Temporal Interference Stimulation in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 50 years
- Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) according to DSM-5
- Y-BOCS score of 20 or higher
- At least two adequate trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Stable SSRI dosage for at least 8 weeks if currently treated with SSRIs
- At least 9 years of education
You will not qualify if you...
- Any DSM-5 diagnosis other than OCD (except obsessive-compulsive personality disorder)
- OCD symptoms too severe to complete assessments
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the past 6 months
- Other neuromodulation treatments within the past 2 months
- Severe medical illness or seizure risk such as cardiovascular or respiratory conditions
- Neurological disorders or history of brain injury or surgery
- MRI-incompatible implants like pacemaker, stents, or cochlear implants
- Current suicidal risk as judged by investigator
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study
- Started structured OCD psychotherapy within the last 3 months with expected change during treatment
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 - Up to 3 sequential phases, each lasting 7 days
Participants receive Temporal Interference stimulation targeting different brain regions across up to three phases based on their response. Each phase involves twice daily stimulation sessions for 7 consecutive days. Participants may receive sham stimulation or active stimulation targeting the nucleus accumbens, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or other brain regions depending on the phase and response.
2 visits per phase (before and after treatment) plus 1 follow-up visit 1 week after each phase
Duration - Up to 4 weeks
Participants undergo follow-up assessments including clinical evaluations and self-reported symptom scales for up to 4 weeks after the last treatment phase to monitor symptom improvement and safety.
Approximately 1 to 2 visits depending on phase completion
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China, 200030
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Z
Zhen Wang, PhD,MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
SEQUENTIAL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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