tDCS for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The investigators want to learn more about how human beings learn not to fear and the impact of changing the fear network in the brain using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The investigators hope this study will help us understand how future treatments can help patients with OCD better control unwanted fear.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
You can continue most psychotropic medications like SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. However, you must stop using benzodiazepines at least 2 weeks before the study and during the study.
What safety data exists for tDCS treatment?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is generally considered safe, with no reports of serious adverse effects or irreversible injury in human trials using conventional protocols (≤40 min, ≤4 milliamperes, ≤7.2 Coulombs) across over 33,200 sessions and 1000 subjects, including vulnerable populations. Adverse events are typically low and transient. However, some caution is advised as there are concerns about potential risks in healthy volunteers.12345
Is tDCS a promising treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
What data supports the idea that tDCS for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may help reduce symptoms in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who do not respond to other treatments. Studies have reported improvements in OCD symptoms, as well as in depression and anxiety, in patients who are resistant to traditional therapies. However, these findings are based on a limited number of studies with small groups of participants, and more research is needed to confirm these results.567810
Who Is on the Research Team?
Joan Camprodon, MD, MPH, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults with primary OCD causing moderate distress (Y-BOCS score ≥ 16). Participants should be comfortable using a computer. Excluded are those with significant head injuries, metal implants in the head/neck, pacemakers, pregnancy, epilepsy, recent substance abuse, history of mania or psychosis, resistance to multiple OCD treatments or use of benzodiazepines within two weeks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Habituation and Fear Conditioning
Participants undergo habituation and fear conditioning on Day 1
Extinction Learning
Participants undergo extinction learning on Day 1 with tDCS administered before, during, or after this phase
Extinction Recall and Reinstatement
Participants undergo extinction recall and reinstatement on Day 2
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- tDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Foundation for OCD Research
Collaborator