Sound waves aimed at brain may ease OCD
NCT ID NCT07558148
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely target brain areas linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Ten adults with chronic OCD will receive single sessions of ultrasound to up to three brain regions. Researchers will measure changes in symptoms and brain activity using scans and surveys. This is an early safety and feasibility study, not a treatment trial.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help identify brain targets for future non-invasive OCD treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early pilot study with only 10 participants. It is not designed to test treatment effectiveness, only safety and target engagement. Results may not lead to a therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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 60 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\. Participants must be enrolled in the IRB #853085 study The inclusion criteria for the IRB #853085 study, which are also included in this trial are: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Adults aged 18-60 years old 2. Chronic OCD (5 years preceding date of enrollment), diagnosed as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition guidelines (DSM-5) 3. Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both time-consuming obsessions and compulsions that take more than one hour a day or cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupation, or other important areas of functioning Obsessive-compulsive symptoms that are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition 4. Disturbance not better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder listed in the DSM-5 Severe OCD symptoms, as defined by Y-BOCS I score of 28 or higher, within two weeks prior to enrollment 5. Compulsions need to involve movement of the hands and/or arms so that the sleeve is able to detect participant's actions (cannot be solely mental or verbal compulsions) 6. Ability to understand procedure-related instructions and to complete study assessments in English, and ability to comply with protocol requirements (e.g., procedure visits, treatment schedule, follow-up visit schedule, evaluations, etc.), in the opinion of the Principal Investigator 7. Willingness and ability to provide written agreement to allow any and all forms of communication between the research team and treating clinician(s) 8 Willingness and ability to provide informed consent, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator Exclusion Criteria: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Unable to undergo MRI scan * Presence of metallic implants or devices or tattoos * Claustrophobia or severe anxiety * Inability to remain still for duration of scan 2. Inability to fit and wear the ATTN201 device for the entire Exclusion criteria for IRB study #853085 include: 1. Hearing loss that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, an audiologist, or a treating physician, is likely to affect the subject's ability to comply with all of the requirements of the study, or may affect the integrity of the study data 2. Pregnancy - this is an exclusion criterion because we will be intentionally increasing anxiety in participants to evaluate optimal strategies to provoke distress and then promote relaxation 3. Any past or present medical condition, disease, disorder, or injury that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, may reduce or hinder the subject's ability to fully comply with all study requirements for the duration of the study or may impact, compromise, or affect the integrity of the data or results of the study. 4. Have a previous injury or surgery which could affect the nerve distribution 5. Have nerve damage (neuropathy) 6. Have a diagnosed neuromuscular disorder 7. Have a pacemaker 8. Have a history of skin allergies, psoriasis eczema, dermatitis, or other skin inflammation conditions 9. Compulsions cannot be completely mental or verbal actions, such as repeating words, counting objects, or performing mental rituals, and cannot involve only facial muscles/actions such as blinking or staring
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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