Using priming with transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder

Priming in Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMSr) in the Adjuvant Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Not applicable Interventional Federal University of Paraíba · NCT06049706

This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel better when combined with regular treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorFederal University of Paraíba Academic / other
Locations1 site (João Pessoa, Paraiba)
Trial IDNCT06049706 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of priming stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 50 participants who will be divided into two groups: one receiving active priming stimulation and the other receiving sham stimulation. The study aims to determine if the priming stimulation enhances the outcomes of rTMS treatment compared to standard rTMS alone. Participants will undergo neuropsychological assessments and complete various questionnaires to evaluate their symptoms and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18 to 60 diagnosed with OCD who meet specific symptom severity criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have cognitive deficits, or are currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS for OCD has been explored, the specific approach of combining it with priming stimulation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being right-handed;
* Age between 18 and 60;
* Diagnose of OCD according to DSM-5;
* Score in YBOCS between 16 and 23;
* No change in dose prescription in the previous 3 months;
* Signature of informed consent term.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Being pregnant;
* Having cognitive deficit;
* Diagnose of drug use disorder;
* In current psychotherapy (or interrupted in less than 3 months);
* Diagnose of severe Major Depression;
* Risk of suicide;
* Patients with metallic implants in the brain;
* Epileptics.

Where this trial is running

João Pessoa, Paraiba

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive Disorderprimingsupplementary motor areaobsessive-compulsive disordertranscranial magnetic stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.