Temporal interference stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Official title: Exploring the Efficacy of Temporal Interference Stimulation in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Run by Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT07113652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try noninvasive temporal interference brain stimulation in adults with moderate-to-severe OCD to see if stimulating different deep brain targets reduces symptoms compared with sham.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07113652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–50 years old with DSM-5 OCD, Y-BOCS score ≥20, at least two adequate SSRI trials (and stable SSRI dose ≥8 weeks if currently treated), and at least 9 years of education are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other current DSM-5 diagnoses (except OCPD), recent ECT or neuromodulation, significant neurological or medical illness, MRI-incompatible implants, current suicidal risk, pregnancy, or OCD too severe to complete assessments are unlikely to qualify or benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, blinded, multi-phase trial testing temporal interference (TI) stimulation in adults with treatment-resistant OCD and comparing stimulation of different deep brain targets. In Phase 1 participants are randomized to sham, bilateral nucleus accumbens (NAcc) stimulation, or bilateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) stimulation. Non-responders move to Phase 2 to receive stimulation of the opposite target (with sham participants re-randomized), and Phase 3 offers exploratory targeting of the caudate, putamen, or amygdala for remaining non-responders. Treatment is delivered twice daily for 7 days per phase with pre- and post-phase MRI, EEG, symptom scales, cognitive testing, and follow-up assessments for up to 4 weeks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TI could provide a noninvasive, targeted brain-stimulation option to reduce OCD symptoms for patients who have not responded to medications.
How similar studies have gone: Temporal interference as a human therapeutic approach is novel with very limited clinical data, while related methods such as deep brain stimulation and TMS have helped some patients but are not universally effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-50 years old * Diagnosis of OCD per DSM-5 * Y-BOCS score ≥20 * Have a documented history of at least two adequate trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). If currently receiving SSRI treatment, the dosage must be stable for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment * With at least 9 years of education Exclusion Criteria: * Any DSM-5 diagnosis other than OCD (except OCPD) * OCD symptoms too severe to complete assessments * Received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the past 6 months * Received other forms of neuromodulation within the past 2 months（see Item 3 for ECT） * Severe medical illness or seizure risk (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory conditions) * Neurological disorders or history of brain injury/surgery * MRI-incompatible implants (e.g., pacemaker, stents, cochlear implants). * Current suicidal risk per investigator judgment * Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study * Started structured OCD psychotherapy within 3 months, with expected change during treatment
Where it's running
-
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhen Wang, PhD,MD
- Email: wangzhen@smhc.org.cn
- Phone: +86 34773516
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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.