Improving treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder using brain stimulation techniques

Improving Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Treatments: from Lesions to Neuromodulation Targets

This study is testing a new way to use brain stimulation to see if it can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 32 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Fundacao Champalimaud (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: radiation
• Locations: 1 site (Lisbon)
• Trial ID: NCT06490965 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by comparing the current stimulation site with a new target identified through neuroimaging of lesional OCD. Participants will be recruited from the Neuropsychiatry Unit at the Champalimaud Foundation and will undergo a randomized, double-blinded intervention. The study aims to enroll 32 individuals aged 18 to 75 who meet specific eligibility criteria. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study seeks to refine TMS treatment for better outcomes in OCD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 75 with a confirmed diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with mild OCD symptoms, structural brain lesions, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatment options for patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging to identify effective TMS targets, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 75 years;
* Established diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder according to Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5 (DSM5) criteria;
* Capacity to give consent;
* Fluent in Portuguese and/or English;
* If potential for pregnancy, agrees to use an effective method of contraception throughout the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Obsessive-compulsive symptoms severity assessed at baseline visit with the instrument Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale - II (YBOCS-II) ≤ 24;
* Presence of uncontrolled active medical illness;
* Known structural lesion of the central nervous system;
* Electric or metallic implants in the body not compatible with electromagnetic radiation;
* Electric or metallic brain implants;
* Cardiac implants;
* Epilepsy;
* Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy women;
* Alcohol or substance abuse and/or dependence;
* Major Neurocognitive Disorder;
* Developmental disorders with low intelligence quotient or any other form of cognitive deficit;
* Active neurological disease;
* Individuals presenting with any psychotic or mood disorder requiring hospitalization at the time of eligibility criteria assessment;
* Contraindication for performing MRI;
* Individuals who have already been treated for OCD with TMS;
* Any other reason that renders the individual unable to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Lisbon

• Champalimaud Foundation — Lisbon, Portugal (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gonçalo Cotovio, MD, PhD — Champalimaud Foundation
• Study coordinator: Sofia Marques

Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; OCD