Brain zapping study aims to rewire fear in OCD patients

NCT ID NCT05521074

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

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