Brain zaps without surgery: new hope for OCD?

NCT ID NCT05994053

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

obsessive-compulsive disorder obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

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

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

    Contact