Brain stimulation shows promise for easing OCD symptoms
NCT ID NCT02355002
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS could reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in 26 adults. The treatment targeted a brain area involved in movement planning. Researchers also looked for clues about how TMS works and who might benefit most.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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26 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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May 2015
- Finished
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Oct 2021
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18-65 years of age. 2. Proficient in English. 3. A diagnosis of primary OCD (as determined by SCID). 4. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale total score ≥ 16. 5. Normal (or corrected) vision. 6. Stable medication regimen or medication free for ≥ 12 weeks prior to study; benzodiazepine free ≥ 2 weeks. 7. Right-handed (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory - Short Form total score ≥ 61) 8. Able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current or history of neurologic or psychiatric disease (e.g., mental retardation, dementia, brain damage, or other cognitive impairment) that would interfere with ability to engage in TMS 2. Psychopathology not appropriate for the treatment (e.g., manic episode or psychosis) 3. Substance abuse or dependence that is current or within the last six months or use of an illicit drug that is not prescribed, as indicated by a urine drug screen and/or clinical inference. 4. Use of benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants within 2 weeks prior to study (to be ruled out by a urine drug screen). 5. Use of Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g. Clomipramine). 6. Use of other psychotropic medications (e.g., SSRIs) will be allowed provided the dose has been stable for \> 12 weeks. 7. Documented resistance to 4 or more valid pharmacological trials of 2 or more different medication classes (e.g. SSRIs and TCAs). 8. Previous exposure to TMS. 9. Major/chronic medical conditions. 10. History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness and/or neurological sequelae. 11. Prior neurosurgical procedure. 12. Metal in the body, metal injury to the eyes. 13. History of seizures. 14. Implanted pacemaker, medication pump, vagal stimulator, deep brain stimulator, TENS unit, or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt 15. Pregnancy; breastfeeding or nursing; for women of childbearing a pregnancy test (to be ruled out by urine β-HCG) will be conducted prior to study. 16. Currently in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 17. Diagnosis of primary sleep disorder such as primary insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder and others. Sleep disorders such as insomnia or hypersomnia that are secondary to depression or OCD are permitted.
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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
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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