Deep brain stimulation for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study explores the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for patients with chronic, severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who have not responded to traditional therapies such as medication and cognitive behavior therapy. The DBS procedure involves implanting a device that delivers electrical impulses to specific brain regions associated with mood and anxiety. Patients eligible for this intervention must have a long history of treatment-resistant OCD and meet specific medical criteria. The study aims to provide an alternative to irreversible neurosurgical procedures for these patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a diagnosis of OCD with a documented duration of at least 5 years
* Have OCD rated as severe or extreme illness
* Have failed to improve following treatment with at least 3 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine
* Do not have hoarding as their primary subclassification
* Have completed or tried to complete Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
* Have no serious psychiatric disorder in addition to OCD (e.g. comorbid personality disorder) or current substance abuse issues
* Meet established criteria for implantation of a deep brain stimulation system
* Are 18 years old or older
* Have not had a previous surgery to destroy the region of the brain that will be the target of stimulation
* Are not pregnant
* Have no other neurological disorders, including dementia
* Do not have a bleeding disorder or are not taking blood thinners
* Are capable of giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are unable to properly operate the neurostimulator
* Patients who will be exposed to diathermy

Where it's running

• Zucker Hillside Hospital
  Queens, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Albert J Fenoy, MD — Northwell Health
• Study coordinator: Samantha Gonzalez
• Email: sgonzalez30@northwell.edu
• Phone: 7184704152

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.