TMS to Boost Exposure Therapy for Pediatric OCD
Official title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Exposure and Response Prevention for Pediatric OCD
Funded at Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital · NIH-11195281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric OCD treatment study tests whether adding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to exposure and response prevention (ERP) makes therapy more effective for youth and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,169,417 |
| NIH project number | 4R33MH133666-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients aged 12 to 21 with OCD who are undergoing ERP and are eligible for TMS participation.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience added benefit or may be unable to tolerate TMS.
What this research studies
This project tests a combination treatment for OCD in people aged 12 to about 21 and young adults. In the first phase, participants receive ERP with either sham TMS or real TMS targeting brain areas linked to compulsivity, to see if the brain circuits and ERP success improve. If the brain activity and behavior look promising, the second phase will further test whether this approach leads to better, longer-lasting symptom relief. The study uses masked designs so participants and most researchers won’t know who gets real stimulation. Safety and feasibility are key milestones before any broader use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could make ERP more effective for young people with OCD, potentially reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in adults suggest TMS can modulate brain circuits involved in OCD, but the pediatric data are ongoing and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benito, Kristen G — Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital
- Study coordinator: Benito, Kristen G
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.