Ear water trick may boost insight in OCD

NCT ID NCT03918577

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder body dysmorphic disorder hypochondriasis obsessive-compulsive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDERS ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••
Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Stanford University
RECRUITING

Stanford, California, 94304, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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