Could a zapping headband tame OCD?

NCT ID NCT04106102

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

Summary

This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in people who haven't gotten better with standard therapy. 43 adults with severe, long-lasting OCD will receive either real or fake stimulation over several sessions. The main goal is to see if symptoms improve after 3 months.

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 it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive option to reduce OCD symptoms for people who don't respond to standard treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 43 people. The effect may be small or not last, and results may not apply to everyone with OCD.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU de Nice

    Nice, 06003, France