Brain pacemaker trial targets Tough-to-Treat OCD

NCT ID NCT06347978

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a personalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) approach for people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with standard treatments. Ten adults will first undergo brain mapping to find the best stimulation targets, then receive a DBS device. Half will have the device turned on first, then off, and the other half the reverse, to compare effects. The goal is to see if this method is safe and can reduce OCD symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

deep brain stimulation (DBS) device

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with severe OCD that hasn't responded to standard therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early feasibility trial with only 10 participants. It is designed mainly to test safety and whether the approach works, not to prove effectiveness. Brain surgery carries risks like infection or bleeding.

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

Locations

  • University of California, San Francisco

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States