Brain zap study aims to decode OCD's Approach-Avoidance conflict

NCT ID NCT06596447

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study will implant deep brain stimulation devices in 10 adults with severe, treatment-resistant OCD to record brain activity during approach and avoidance tasks. Researchers will compare clinic-based and at-home recordings to find neural markers of OCD symptoms. The goal is to better understand how the brain drives compulsive behavior, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal brain signals that track OCD symptoms, helping doctors adjust DBS therapy more precisely.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early study with only 10 people, focused on understanding the brain rather than testing a new treatment. It may not lead to direct benefits for patients.

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

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

About 10 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Aug 2025

Expected to finish

Jul 2030

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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

22 to 64 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

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

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Principal diagnosis of OCD per DSM-5; 2. Adult between ages 22 and 64; 3. At least a five-year history of treatment-refractory OCD that causes substantial subjective distress and impairment in functioning; 4. Minimum score of 28 on the Y-BOCS; 5. Failed an adequate trial of at least three SSRIs; 6. Failed an adequate trial of clomipramine; 7. Failed augmentation of one or more of the aforementioned drugs with at least one anti-psychotic medication; 8. Failed an adequate trial of CBT for OCD, defined as 25 hours of documented exposure and response prevention (ERP) by an expert therapist; 9. Stable psychotropic medical regimen for the month preceding surgery; 10. Principal diagnosis of OCD who are approved by our multi-disciplinary team to undergo DBS surgery within two months of enrollment; 11. Ability to provide fully informed, written consent; 12. Availability of a family member or significant other who is willing to accompany patients to study visits if necessary. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia; 2. Alcohol or substance abuse/dependence within 6 months, excluding nicotine; 3. Concern for high risk of suicidal behavior or impulsivity; 4. Patient is \[regnant or plans to become pregnant in the next 24 months; 5. Need for diathermy; 6. Existence of any neurological or medical condition/disorder that makes the individual, in the opinion of the study team, a poor candidate to participate in the intended study procedures 7. Comorbid psychiatric disorder that, in the opinion of the study team, may interfere with the candidate's ability to participate in study activities; 8. Primary diagnosis of a Hoarding Disorder.

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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.

Neuromodulation Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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.

Brain zap study aims to decode OCD's Approach-Avoidance conflict

What the study statuses mean