Testing a New Brain Stimulation Treatment Using EEG Guidance for Adults with OCD

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new non-invasive brain stimulation method to reduce symptoms in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD. This study aims to better understand the brain rhythms linked to OCD and test a treatment that targets the orbitofrontal cortex, a brain area involved in reward and decision making that is affected by OCD. The study builds on encouraging early results showing quick and lasting symptom improvement with minimal side effects. The study uses high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation HD-tACS, a device that delivers low intensity alternating current to the orbitofrontal cortex guided by EEG brain wave recordings. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either active HD-tACS or a sham placebo-like version. Treatment occurs over five days, aiming to produce rapid symptom reduction that may last up to three months. During the study, participants will have EEG recordings and symptom assessments using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale YBOCS at the end of treatment and at one, two, and three months after intervention. Researchers will monitor changes in brain rhythms and OCD symptoms to evaluate the treatments effects. The total participation duration covers treatment and follow-up assessments to measure the sustainability of symptom changes.

Neuromodulation for a Novel OCD Biomarker and Treatment