Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study of the Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This research study is investigating transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a potential new treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Many people with OCD don't get enough relief from standard treatments like talking therapies and medications, leaving them struggling. tDCS is a gentle, non-invasive technique that uses a very weak electrical current, delivered through pads on the scalp, to subtly change brain activity. It's been safely used in other conditions like depression. Researchers want to find out if tDCS can help reduce OCD symptoms for those who haven't responded to other options, offering a new, safe, and easy-to-use alternative.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

20 Sep 2019

Estimated completion

09 Sep 2026

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What is this study about?

For many people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), standard treatments like talking therapies (such as CBT) and certain antidepressant medications are very helpful. However, we know that these treatments don't work for everyone, and a significant number of people still experience severe symptoms. When usual treatments aren't enough, it can be really tough, and doctors are always looking for new ways to help.

This study is exploring a new approach called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Don't let the long name scare you; it's a very gentle and non-invasive technique. Essentially, it involves placing two small pads on your head, which deliver a very mild electrical current (so weak you might not even feel it, or just a slight tingle). This current is thought to subtly influence brain activity in areas linked to OCD. It's a bit like gently nudging certain brain pathways to work differently.

Researchers are interested in tDCS because it's a relatively simple, inexpensive, and safe technique that has shown promise in helping with other conditions, like depression. This study aims to see if tDCS can be a meaningful additional treatment for people with OCD who haven't found enough relief from other options, potentially offering a new route to feeling better and improving daily life.

Key takeaways

This study explores a gentle brain stimulation called tDCS for severe OCD that hasn't responded to usual treatments.
tDCS uses a very weak electrical current through pads on the head to influence brain activity.
It's a non-invasive, generally safe, and inexpensive method that has shown promise in other conditions.
The study aims to see if tDCS can offer a new way to reduce OCD symptoms for those struggling.
Participants may receive active tDCS or a 'dummy' treatment to help researchers understand its effects.
Close monitoring and support will be provided throughout your participation.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be an adult (18 years or older) with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that has been ongoing for at least two years. Your OCD symptoms would need to be significantly affecting your life, and doctors would need to confirm that standard treatments, including at least two different antidepressant medications and at least six months of talking therapy, haven't provided enough relief. Also, your current medication plan would need to have been stable for at least 12 weeks before starting the study.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other serious mental health conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder, or if you're currently struggling with drug or alcohol dependence (excluding tobacco). The study also can't include people at high risk of suicide. Medical conditions like brain illnesses, metal implants in your head, or an unstable history of fits (epilepsy) would also exclude you for safety reasons. You can't have had tDCS before because it might affect the study results, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who could become pregnant without effective contraception, would not be able to participate. Finally, if you have a skin condition on your scalp, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with OCD for at least two years?
Have you tried at least two different antidepressant medications and 6+ months of talking therapy for your OCD, and they haven't helped enough?
Have your current OCD medications been stable for at least 3 months?
Do you NOT have other serious mental health conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding, and not planning to become pregnant without effective contraception?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would receive the transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) or a 'dummy' (placebo) treatment. This involves having two small electrodes placed on your scalp for a set period during treatment sessions. You would have regular assessments to check your OCD symptoms and general well-being. These assessments might include talking with a doctor or nurse and filling out questionnaires. Your current medication for OCD would need to remain unchanged throughout your time in the study. The total duration of your participation, including all treatments and follow-up checks, would be explained to you in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit if the tDCS treatment helps to reduce your OCD symptoms, especially if other treatments haven't worked well for you. However, there's no guarantee it will work, and you might receive the 'dummy' treatment. Potential risks of tDCS are generally mild and temporary, such as a slight tingling sensation on the scalp, some redness, or a headache, but these are usually well-tolerated. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nice
Verified postcode
Nice, France

Common questions

What exactly is tDCS?

tDCS stands for transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. It's a gentle technique where a very weak electrical current is passed between two small pads placed on your scalp, aiming to subtly change how your brain cells work.

Will I feel anything during tDCS?

Most people feel little to nothing, or just a mild tingling or itching sensation on their scalp when the treatment starts. This usually fades quickly.

Is tDCS safe?

Yes, tDCS is considered a very safe procedure when performed by trained professionals. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Why is a 'placebo' used in the study?

A 'placebo' is like a dummy treatment that feels similar but doesn't deliver the active current. This helps researchers to know if any improvements are truly due to the tDCS itself, and not just the expectation of getting better.

What happens if my symptoms get worse during the study?

Your safety and well-being are the top priority. The study team will monitor you closely, and if your symptoms worsen or you have any concerns, they will provide appropriate care and discuss your options, including withdrawal from the study.