Actively Recruiting
Neuromodulation for a Novel OCD Biomarker and Treatment
Led by Boston University Charles River Campus · Updated on 2025-09-17
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
113 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Neuromodulation for a Novel OCD Biomarker and Treatment
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Primary diagnosis of OCD according to DSM-5
- Score of 16 or greater on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS)
- At least 18 years old
- Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and follow the study protocol
You will not qualify if you...
- Lifetime history of bipolar or psychotic disorders
- History of Tourette syndrome
- Previous psychosurgery
- Substance abuse or dependence (except nicotine) in past 3 months
- Organic brain syndrome, mental retardation, or other interfering cognitive dysfunction
- Severe depression (MADRS score 30 or greater)
- Moderate or higher suicidal risk per Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Changes to OCD medication or start of cognitive-behavior therapy within last 3 months
- Metal implants in head or implanted electronic devices
- Skin sensitivity, color blindness, or impaired vision despite correction
- Claustrophobia
- History of epilepsy or neurological disorders
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (BU-CARD)
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02215
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Robert Reinhart, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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