Rapid non-invasive brain stimulation to reduce hoarding symptoms
Rapid Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Hoarding Disorder
This study will try short sessions of non-invasive brain stimulation (iTBS) to see if they reduce hoarding symptoms in adults with hoarding disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06712914 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will deliver accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) using a MagPro X100 device to adults with primary hoarding disorder who have significant symptom severity. Participants will attend repeated, rapid in-person brain stimulation sessions at Stanford University Medical Center and are screened for exclusions such as prior TMS/ECT, implanted devices, pregnancy, or unstable medical/psychiatric conditions. The protocol targets brain regions involved in decision-making and emotional regulation with the goal of reducing difficulty discarding and clutter. Outcomes will include changes in hoarding symptom severity and the tolerability of the rapid iTBS schedule.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with a primary diagnosis of hoarding disorder and sufficiently severe symptoms who can consent and attend in-person iTBS sessions are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or nursing, have implanted devices or prior TMS/ECT exposure, unstable psychiatric or medical conditions, or a different primary diagnosis are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-invasive treatment option that reduces hoarding symptoms beyond what therapy alone achieves.
How similar studies have performed: TMS and iTBS have shown mixed but sometimes promising results in related conditions like OCD and depression, while direct evidence specifically for hoarding disorder is limited and largely preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-70 years 2. Primary diagnosis of hoarding disorder 3. Sufficient severity of hoarding symptoms 4. Willing and able to understand and complete consent and study procedures Exclusion Criteria: 1. Psychiatric or medical conditions or medications that make participation unsafe 2. Pregnant or nursing females 3. Previous exposure to TMS or ECT 4. History of any implanted device or psychosurgery
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Stanford University Medical Center — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carolyn I Rodriguez, MD, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Paula Munoz Rodriguez, PhD
- Email: clutterhelp@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-723-4095
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.