Using brain stimulation to improve fear management in OCD
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Potentiation of Fear Extinction in OCD: Towards Rational Design of Combination Therapies
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help people with OCD better manage their fears and improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05521074 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on fear extinction in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants will undergo a two-day protocol involving fear conditioning and extinction learning, with measurements of skin conductance response and electroencephalography to assess their responses. The study aims to determine whether tDCS can enhance the recall of extinction learning and reduce specific brain activity associated with fear. By optimizing this approach, the research seeks to inform future treatments that could help patients better manage their OCD symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals fluent in English with a primary diagnosis of OCD causing moderate distress or impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those with contraindications to tDCS, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for individuals with OCD, enhancing their ability to manage fear and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in treating OCD is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar applications.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fluent in English, willing to provide informed consent, and willing to comply with the study protocol * Primary OCD that causes at least moderate distress and/or impairment (Y-BOCS total score ≥ 16) * Comfortable and capable of using a computer and completing computerized tasks Exclusion Criteria: * History of head injury resulting in prolonged (i.e., \>1h) loss of consciousness and/or neurological sequelae; history of stroke; signs of increased intracranial pressure; prior neurosurgical procedure (e.g., DBS, aneurysm clips) * Contraindications to participate in tDCS including: metallic implants in head or neck; ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts; pacemakers; pregnancy; epilepsy. * Current or history of neurologic or psychiatric disease (e.g., mental retardation, dementia, brain damage, or other cognitive impairment) that would interfere with ability to participate in the study * Impaired (or uncorrected) vision that would interfere with participation. * Current clinically significant suicidality that requires psychiatric hospitalization, as indicated by clinical judgment. * Current substance use disorder (within the past 12 months) * Lifetime manic episode or psychosis * Documented resistance to 4 or more valid pharmacological trials and previous treatment with ≥12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD with no response (or worsening symptoms) * Use of most psychotropic medications (e.g., SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics) will be allowed. However, use of benzodiazepines within 2 weeks prior to the study is exclusionary (and participants will be asked to refrain from use of such medications during the study as they may interfere with the fear extinction paradigm). * Unable to obtain low enough impedance values to ensure safe and effective application of tDCS/EEG.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joan Camprodon, MD, MPH, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Phoebe Holz, BA
- Email: mghocdfearstudy@partners.org
- Phone: 617-643-0850
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.