Brain stimulation for urges in skin-picking and nail-biting.
Evaluating the Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Urge in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
NA · University of Kentucky · NCT07019571
This study will try transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to see if it reduces urges and how often people pick their skin or bite their nails.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 55 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT07019571 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants with recurrent skin-picking or nail-biting will be brought into the lab and exposed to cues and boredom tasks that trigger urges. They will receive either real wireless multichannel tDCS or a sham (placebo) device while rating urge intensity before and after stimulation. Researchers will compare changes in urge ratings and the occurrence of picking/biting between the real and sham groups. The protocol pairs noninvasive brain stimulation with behavioral provocation to measure immediate and short-term effects on urges and behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who experience mild to extreme urges to pick their skin or bite their nails, can provide informed consent, and can tolerate tDCS.
Not a fit: People with unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, a history of seizures or major neurological disease, current suicidal intent, pregnancy, or other contraindications to tDCS are excluded and would not be expected to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this noninvasive approach could lower urge intensity and reduce how often people pick or bite, offering a new treatment option.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies of tDCS for compulsive behaviors and related disorders have shown mixed, preliminary results, so this approach remains experimental.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to provide informed consent (as established by clinical interview), and voluntary, signed informed consent prior to the performance of any study specific * Ability and willingness to perform study-relevant clinical assessments and tDCS * Endorses mild to extreme intensity of urges to pick or bite their skin or nails Exclusion Criteria: * Any unstable medical, psychiatric, or neurological condition (including active or otherwise problematic suicidality) that may necessitate urgent treatment * Daily use of psychotropic medications that substantially lower seizure threshold (e.g., clozapine) * History of psychosis, mania, major neurological disorder, significant head trauma, or seizures/epilepsy * Current suicidal intent * Any major neurological disease or history of major head trauma, including concussion with extended loss of consciousness, or of psychosurgery * Current or suspected pregnancy * Endorsing possible contraindications for tDCS
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hannah Wild, M.S.
- Email: hannah.wild@uky.edu
- Phone: (859) 414-6962
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Repetitive Compulsive Behavior, picking, biting, transcranial stimulation