Brain zaps without surgery: new hope for OCD?

NCT ID NCT05994053

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method for people with OCD. It uses mild electrical currents guided by brain wave recordings to target a key brain region. The goal is to reduce OCD symptoms quickly and safely, with effects lasting up to three months. The trial involves 90 adults with OCD.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a new, well-tolerated treatment option for OCD that works quickly and has few side effects.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 90 participants. The effects may not last long-term or work for everyone, and the approach is still experimental.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

obsessive-compulsive disorder obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OCD

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (BU-CARD)
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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