Using caloric vestibular stimulation to improve insight in obsessive-compulsive disorders
Caloric Vestibular Stimulation for Modulation of Insight in Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
This study is testing whether a special type of brain stimulation can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorders better understand their thoughts and behaviors to improve their treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03918577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of caloric vestibular stimulation on insight in individuals with obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and illness anxiety disorder. The approach involves unilateral stimulation of the vestibular system to activate brain areas associated with clinical insight. By modulating insight, the study aims to enhance motivation for treatment and improve outcomes for affected individuals. Participants will be monitored for changes in their understanding of their intrusive thoughts and related behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or illness anxiety disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric or medical conditions that could complicate participation, such as vertigo or recent substance use, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve insight in patients with obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, leading to better treatment engagement and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of caloric vestibular stimulation is a novel approach in this context, similar studies exploring vestibular stimulation effects on cognitive and psychological functions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 * Primary diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder or Somatic Symptom Disorder (excluding "with predominant pain") * Strongly held OCRD-related concerns meeting BABS score criterion. * No recent change in psychopharmacological treatment, if any * Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric or medical conditions (eg, vertigo, history of otological surgery) that might make participation unsafe * Pregnant or nursing women * Active or recent substance use
Where this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford University — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter J van Roessel, MD, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Pavithra Mukunda, MS
- Email: ocdresearch@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.