Improving targeting precision in deep brain stimulation for OCD

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST): Improving Targeting Precision

Not applicable Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT02377375

This study is testing a new technique to see if it can improve the accuracy of deep brain stimulation for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant)
Trial IDNCT02377375 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a micro-electrode assisted technique in improving targeting precision for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Previous studies indicated deviations in targeting precision when DBS was applied to OCD patients compared to those with Parkinson's disease. The trial aims to determine if this new technique can enhance the accuracy of DBS at the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in OCD patients. Participants will be assessed based on their OCD diagnosis and treatment history.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20-65 with a diagnosis of OCD who have not responded to standard pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe personality disorders, organic brain pathology, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with OCD through improved targeting in DBS.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on DBS for OCD, this specific approach using micro-electrode assistance is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of OCD following the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria for OCD (300.3).
* Failure of documented trials of pharmacotherapy, following an appropriate treatment algorithm for OCD.
* Failure of documented trial of cognitive and behavioural therapy
* Duration of illness: min. 5 year
* Y-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) at least 30/40.
* Age: 20-65 year

Exclusion Criteria:

* DSM-IV diagnosis on axis 2 of severe personality disorder in cluster A or B, especially in the case of heightened risk for acting-out behavior.
* DSM-IV diagnosis on axis 3 of organic brain pathology or significant abnormalities on MRI.
* Present or past history of psychotic symptoms.
* Present substance abuse, or instable remission of substance abuses (i.e. no substance abuse during the last 12 months).
* Any disorder affecting cognitive functioning, other than motor tics and Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
* Mental retardation. A minimum threshold of cognitive skills is needed for adequate reporting on questionnaires and evaluation, and for technical handling of the instruments in a later faze.

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderDeep Brain StimulationOCD
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.