New hope for OCD? brain zaps plus therapy put to the test
NCT ID NCT07146438
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) can boost the effects of a type of talk therapy (Exposure and Response Prevention) for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with standard treatment. About 48 adults with OCD will receive rTMS along with either the therapy or supportive counseling. Researchers will also use wearable devices and brain scans to track how well people respond, aiming to find better ways to personalize OCD care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a more personalized, effective treatment for people with OCD that hasn't responded to standard therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 48 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination of rTMS and therapy may not work better than therapy alone, and rTMS can cause mild side effects like headache or scalp discomfort.
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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
Locations
-
University of Southern California Health Sciences Campus
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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