Brain zapping study aims to rewire fear in OCD patients
NCT ID NCT05521074
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed study at Massachusetts General Hospital tested whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS could help 86 adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) unlearn fear responses. Participants received either real or fake (sham) stimulation while undergoing a fear extinction task. The goal was to see if tDCS could strengthen the brain's ability to overcome fear, which might lead to better combination therapies for OCD in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help design better treatments that combine brain stimulation with therapy to help people with OCD control unwanted fears.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study focused on understanding brain activity, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead to a direct therapy or benefit all patients.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States