Fecal microbiota transplantation for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder
Official title: A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Population With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Run by University of Calgary · NCT05720793 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing whether a treatment that involves transferring healthy gut bacteria can help adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder who haven't found relief with regular medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT05720793 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with OCD who have been on a stable dose of SSRI treatment for at least 12 weeks but continue to experience significant symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with substance use disorders, eating disorders, or other specified psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who have not responded adequately to standard SSRI medications. The study aims to explore the connection between gut bacteria and brain health, leveraging the potential benefits of FMT to improve OCD symptoms. Participants will receive FMT capsules along with SIMBA capsules, and their gut microbiome will be analyzed to assess changes and outcomes. The trial is designed to provide new insights into alternative treatment options for OCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a novel treatment option for patients with OCD who do not respond to existing medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for fecal microbiota transplantation in treating depression, suggesting potential for success in OCD, although this specific application is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults who have a primary diagnosis of OCD * on a stable appropriate dose of (SSRI) treatment for at least 12 weeks prior to Baseline * insufficient response to current SSRI treatment indicated by persistence of symptoms. Exclusion Criteria: * Participant meets Diagnostic criteria for substance use, eating disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder * Suicidality * regular intake of antibiotics, prebiotics, or probiotics * Clinically diagnosed with IBD, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, or Celiac disease * Immune suppression * intestinal obstruction * Oropharyngeal dysphagia or other swallowing disorder * \< 2 bowel movements per week * Breastfeeding, pregnant or seeking to get pregnant during the course of this study
Where it's running
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University of Calgary, TRW building
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Valere Taylor, MD,PhD,FRCPC — Professor, Head of Department
- Study coordinator: Asem Bala, Msc, CCRP
- Email: asem.bala@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 4032107282
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound targeting the subthalamic nucleus for OCD
A short test is being done to see if a wearable, non-invasive ultrasound device can safely and tolerably help adults with OCD by targeting a brain region called the subthalamic nucleus.
-
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for OCD Delivered Online
This study tests a synchronous online MBCT program for adults with OCD to see if it is acceptable and feasible and to explore links between biological markers, OCD severity, and treatment response.
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Targeted brain stimulation for OCD: test of tTIS on nucleus accumbens
This study tests whether targeted temporal interference stimulation of the nucleus accumbens can help reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults with OCD, compared with sham stimulation.
-
Anxiety Skills Study: See if video skill training plus therapy helps people with anxiety
This study tests whether a brief video-based skill training can help people with anxiety as well as four therapy sessions, and how durable the effects are over a year.
-
AttunE LIFU for OCD: a non-invasive brain stimulation study
This trial tests ATTN201, a wearable ultrasound headband, to see if it helps adults with OCD compared to a sham treatment.
-
Combined ERP and Habit Reversal Therapy for Tourettic OCD
This study tests whether a merged Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Therapy helps adults with Tourettic OCD more than either therapy alone or basic psychoeducation.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.