Understanding how ketamine affects OCD symptoms
Official title: Examining Mu Opioid Mechanisms of Ketamine's Rapid Effects in OCD (MKET2)
Run by Stanford University · NCT05940324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether ketamine can help people with OCD who haven't found relief from other treatments by looking at how it affects their brain activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 2028 |
| Study ends | November 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05940324 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of OCD who have failed at least one prior standard treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior exposure to naltrexone or ketamine, or those with contraindications for MRI, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which ketamine alleviates symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by examining its opioid properties and their impact on brain circuitry. Participants will receive either ketamine, naltrexone, or a placebo, and their brain activity will be monitored using MRI. The study focuses on individuals who have not responded to standard OCD treatments, providing insights into alternative therapeutic approaches. By exploring the interaction between ketamine and the brain's fronto-striatal circuitry, the research seeks to enhance understanding of OCD treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new, effective treatment options for patients with OCD who have not benefited from traditional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining ketamine's opioid mechanisms in OCD is novel, there have been successful studies exploring ketamine's rapid effects on other mental health conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Participants with OCD: Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-65 * Meet the criteria for OCD diagnosis * Failed at least 1 prior trial of standard first-line OCD treatment * Agree to the following lifestyle modifications: comply with requirements for fasting prior to the Experimental Session, not enroll in any other interventional clinical trials during the duration of the study, and commit to medication study procedures. * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * prior naltrexone or ketamine use/exposure * Any current or past medical/psychiatric condition that makes participation unsafe in the opinion of the investigator or study physician * Pregnant or nursing, or able to become pregnant and are not practicing an effective means of birth control * the presence of metal in the body that is contraindicated for MRI scans Eligibility Criteria for Healthy Volunteers: Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-65 * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * current or past use of psychotropic medication * pregnant or nursing females * the presence of metal in the body that is contraindicated for MRI scans
Where it's running
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Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pavithra Mukunda, MS
- Email: ocdresearch@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6504972578
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound targeting the subthalamic nucleus for OCD
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.
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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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Anxiety Skills Study: See if video skill training plus therapy helps people with anxiety
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.
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.