Plain-English translation of NCT03918577 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This study is exploring a simple procedure called caloric vestibular stimulation—putting cold water in your ear canal for about 60 seconds—to see if it might help people with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders understand their symptoms better. Researchers believe this stimulation may activate areas of the brain involved in self-awareness and insight. The goal is to understand whether the treatment could help people feel more motivated to seek care and respond better to existing treatments.
Many people with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders struggle to recognize that their intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are signs of illness. This lack of insight often keeps people from seeking or staying engaged in treatment, leading to worse outcomes. This trial is testing whether this stimulation technique might help improve that self-awareness.
You likely qualify if…
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If you join this study, you will receive cold water stimulation in one ear canal (either right or left) for about 60 seconds. Before and after the procedure, researchers will ask you questions and perform assessments to measure your symptoms and your level of insight into your condition. The study is recruiting 16 participants total, and the exact duration and number of visits should be confirmed with the research team at Stanford University.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 14, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Stanford University
Enrollment target
~16 participants
Started
May 2022
Primary completion
December 2026
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Pavithra Mukunda, MS
Stanford University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.