Using brain stimulation to improve therapy for kids with OCD
Official title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Exposure and Response Prevention for Pediatric OCD
Funded at Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital · NIH-10894903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,194,006 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH133666-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12-21 who have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with OCD or are outside the age range of 12-21 may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promising results using rTMS in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
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.