Ear water trick may boost insight in OCD
NCT ID NCT03918577
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a short, safe ear-water stimulation (caloric vestibular stimulation) can temporarily improve insight in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or illness anxiety. Sixteen adults with strongly held beliefs will receive the stimulation and have their insight measured. The goal is to see if this simple technique can help patients recognize their thoughts as symptoms, not reality.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
caloric vestibular stimulation (cold water in the ear canal)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with OCD or body dysmorphic disorder recognize their beliefs more clearly.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study with only 16 people. The effect is brief and may not lead to lasting change or work for everyone.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Stanford University
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 94304, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••