Can magnetic pulses to the brain ease OCD? new trial investigates
NCT ID NCT07587112
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) can improve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Researchers will compare two active coils (H7 and H1) against a sham (fake) coil in 96 adults with OCD. Participants will receive daily sessions for six weeks, and brain scans will track changes in neural activity. The goal is to understand which brain targets work best and how they affect OCD symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) using H7 or H1 coils
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a more targeted brain stimulation treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that reduces symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-phase study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not proving a cure. The treatment may not work for everyone, and side effects like discomfort or headache are possible.
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 96 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
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: * Adults aged 18-65 years. * Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria. Treatment resistance (i.e., inadequate response to pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments) is not required. * Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score ≥ 14, indicating at least mild to moderate symptom severity. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of schizophrenia, organic psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorder, or substance use disorder. * High suicide risk within the past year. * Presence of significant medical or surgical conditions in an active phase. * History of, or planned, neurosurgical procedures, or presence of metallic implants in the brain or body (e.g., neurostimulators or cardiac pacemakers). * Structural brain abnormalities (e.g., brain tumor or arteriovenous malformation) or neurological disorders (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, or epilepsy). * Pregnant women. * Inability to tolerate PET/MRI examination due to claustrophobia or severe anxiety in confined spaces. * Any other conditions that may impair study compliance, including inability to cooperate, failure to provide informed consent, or other investigator-determined ineligibility after screening. * Use of medications that may increase seizure risk or suicide risk (e.g., certain antidepressants or antipsychotics). * Known allergy to 18F-FDG (18F-2-Fluoro-2-DeoxyGlucose). * History of adverse reaction to TMS or allergy to the positioning cap. * Presence of metallic objects within approximately 30 cm of the cranial region (within the stimulation coil area). * Prior or current treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
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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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Taipei Veterans General Hospital
RECRUITINGTaipei, Taiwan
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