RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Brain-Oscillation Synchronized Stimulation of the DMPFC

This research is investigating a new way to help people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that hasn't responded well to other treatments. It uses a method called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), which sends gentle magnetic pulses to a specific part of the brain. The study wants to see if tailoring this treatment to each person's individual brain activity, by using a brain scan called an EEG, works better than the usual rTMS treatment. Participants will receive daily treatments over six weeks, and researchers will measure changes in their OCD symptoms to understand if the personalised approach is more helpful.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrolment target

Start

29 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Treatment Resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new ways to help people living with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), especially when other treatments haven't worked well enough. OCD can be very challenging, causing recurring unwanted thoughts and urges, and repetitive behaviours. Finding effective ways to manage these symptoms is really important for improving quality of life.

The main treatment being tested is called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or rTMS for short. This is a non-invasive treatment that uses a special coil placed on the head to deliver gentle magnetic pulses. These pulses can change the activity of certain brain cells, and in OCD, they're aimed at an area known to be involved in the condition. The exciting part of this study is that it's comparing two versions of rTMS: one that's a standard approach, and another that's personalised based on a person's unique brain activity, measured using an Electroencephalogram (EEG) – a type of brain scan. The idea is that tailoring the treatment might make it more effective.

Essentially, researchers want to find out if using EEG to guide the rTMS treatment (making it "personalised") is better at reducing OCD symptoms compared to the standard, non-personalised rTMS. They will be carefully measuring participants' OCD symptoms and looking at changes in their brain activity to see if this personalised approach could offer new hope for those struggling with severe OCD.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new, personalised brain stimulation treatment for severe OCD.
It compares standard brain stimulation (rTMS) with a version tailored using brain wave readings (EEG).
Participation involves daily treatments over six weeks, plus assessments.
The aim is to find out if the personalised treatment works better for OCD symptoms.
It's for adults with OCD that hasn't responded well to other therapies.

Who may be eligible?

This study is particularly for adults aged between 18 and 65 who have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). To be eligible, your OCD must be considered 'treatment-resistant', meaning that typical treatments like talking therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy) or certain antidepressant medications (SSRI antidepressants) haven't fully helped you.

You also need to be generally well, without other serious medical or brain conditions like epilepsy or recent head injuries. Things like having metal implants in your body (like pacemakers), or certain medications (like strong sedatives or anti-seizure drugs), would mean you unfortunately couldn't take part. You'll need to be fluent in English and willing to follow all the study's instructions carefully.

Being pregnant or breastfeeding would also exclude you from joining the study at the start. The researchers will check all these details carefully to make sure the study is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.

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 between 18 and 65 years old?
Has your OCD not fully improved with previous treatments like therapy or medication?
Do you have any metal implants in your body or certain serious health conditions?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you able to attend appointments frequently for several weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups – like flipping a coin, so it's fair. You won't know which group you're in, and some of the research team won't either, to ensure unbiased results. Both groups will receive daily rTMS treatments, five days a week, for six weeks. This means you'll have 30 treatment sessions in total.

During these sessions, a small device will be placed on your head, delivering gentle magnetic pulses. The sessions usually last for a set amount of time each day. Before, during, and after your treatment, you'll have various assessments, including questionnaires and possibly brain scans (EEGs), to measure your OCD symptoms and how your brain activity changes. You'll regularly meet with the study team to discuss how you're feeling. There will be follow-up appointments after the treatments finish to see how you're doing in the longer term. The total time you're involved with the study, including all treatments and follow-up, will be several weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could offer potential benefits, such as receiving a new and personalised treatment for your OCD that hasn't responded to other options. There's a chance your OCD symptoms could improve, which would significantly enhance your daily life. However, as with any medical treatment or study, there are potential risks. rTMS is generally safe, but some people might experience mild side effects like headaches, scalp discomfort, or facial twitching during treatment. Very rarely, there's a small risk of seizures, which is why the research team will carefully check your medical history. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is rTMS?

rTMS, or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain.

What is an EEG?

An EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a test that measures electrical activity in your brain through small sensors placed on your scalp. It helps show brain wave patterns.

What does 'treatment-resistant OCD' mean?

It means your Obsessive Compulsive Disorder hasn't improved enough after trying standard treatments like talking therapy or specific medications.

How many treatment sessions would I have?

If you take part, you would have 30 treatment sessions in total, spread over six weeks, with treatments happening five days a week.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Brigitte Zrenner, MD

brigitte.zrenner@camh.ca 416-535-8501 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.