Using brain stimulation to improve therapy for kids with OCD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Exposure and Response Prevention for Pediatric OCD

NIH-funded research Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital · NIH-10894903

This study is looking at whether a special treatment called rTMS can make therapy for kids and teens with OCD work better, and it’s for young people aged 12-21 who want help managing their compulsive behaviors.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmma Pendleton Bradley Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Riverside, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10894903 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can enhance the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for pediatric patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study will involve youth aged 12-21 who will receive ERP therapy combined with different rTMS treatments to see if this combination improves their ability to manage compulsive behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham rTMS while undergoing therapy, allowing researchers to assess the impact on brain function and treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12-21 who have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with OCD or are outside the age range of 12-21 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for children and young adults suffering from OCD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using rTMS in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Riverside, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.