Low-intensity focused ultrasound targeting the subthalamic nucleus for OCD
Official title: Subcortical OCD Neuromodulation With Acoustic Therapy - Dose Duration Optimization
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT07887633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 22 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 15, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07887633 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 22 to 80 with DSM-5 OCD for at least one year and a Y-BOCS score of 16 or higher, on a stable OCD medication dose for at least four weeks before and during the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with active co-morbid psychiatric disorders beyond depression or anxiety, active suicidality, history of neurological conditions, or those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2, randomized, sham-controlled trial tests a wearable low-intensity focused ultrasound device (ATTN201) directed at the subthalamic nucleus in adults with OCD. The study aims to determine safety, tolerability, and whether the treatment engages the brain target. Twenty participants will receive multiple sessions, with a safety check halfway and MRI scans at baseline and three follow-ups to observe brain changes. Participants will not know whether they receive active treatment or sham until the study ends. All participants must be on a stable OCD medication regimen for at least four weeks prior to screening and throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a non-invasive option to help reduce OCD symptoms by modulating a key brain region.
How similar studies have gone: Prior non-invasive neuromodulation approaches have shown mixed but promising signals; this exact LIFU approach is relatively novel in OCD, with limited prior success data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 22-80 2. Meet DSM-V criteria for OCD ≥ 1 year with a Y-BOCS score ≥ 16 3. Must be on the same stable dose(s) of OCD medication for at least 4 weeks prior to screening and throughout the course of the study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Co-morbid psychiatric disorder other than depression or anxiety disorder 2. Active suicidal risk (defined by C-SSRS) 3. History of neurological condition 4. Pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study period
Where it's running
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine Scangos, MD, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rishi Suresh
- Email: rishi.suresh1@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-746-8901
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Safety and feasibility of a next-generation dome helmet for neuromodulation in OCD
This study tests whether a new focused ultrasound helmet can safely help people with treatment-refractory OCD see if their symptoms improve.
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.