Using caloric vestibular stimulation to improve insight in obsessive-compulsive disorders
Official title: Caloric Vestibular Stimulation for Modulation of Insight in Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Run by Stanford University · NCT03918577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 10, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03918577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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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.