Brain stimulation devices to improve severe obsessive-compulsive disorder

Plain-English translation of NCT04958096 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether combining two types of brain stimulation — one at a standard location already approved for OCD, plus a new one in a different brain region — can help people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who haven't improved with other treatments. You would receive implanted devices (similar to a pacemaker) that send mild electrical signals to specific areas of your brain. The study will track how this combined approach affects your OCD symptoms and the electrical activity in your brain over two years.

Many people with severe OCD don't get better even after trying multiple medications, therapy, and other treatments. Researchers believe that stimulating an additional brain region alongside the standard treatment location might work better, and this trial will test that idea while learning more about how OCD works in the brain.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 22 and 75 years old
you have had OCD for at least 5 years
you have severe or extreme OCD symptoms that significantly interfere with your life
you have tried at least two different anti-OCD medications and antipsychotic combinations without adequate relief
you have completed a trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy (exposure and response prevention) without adequate improvement
you are able to attend regular follow-up visits and provide informed consent

You likely don't qualify if…

you have hoarding as your primary OCD subtype
you have other severe psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder, or active substance abuse
you have ever attempted suicide or are currently at high risk for suicide
you have had a prior brain surgery, stroke, or other neurological condition that would require future MRI scans
you are allergic to materials commonly used in implantable devices, such as titanium or silicone

What participation looks like

You would have brain surgery to place four thin electrode leads: two at the standard OCD treatment location deep in the brain, and two in another brain region (either the prefrontal cortex or anterior cingulate cortex). In the first 12 months, you would visit the clinic regularly and wear a recording device at home so researchers can monitor your OCD symptoms and measure brain activity. In the second year, your doctors would turn on the additional stimulation leads while continuing to monitor your symptoms and brain signals. Throughout the study, you would complete symptom questionnaires and have your brain activity recorded both in the clinic and at home.

Brain stimulation devices to improve severe obsessive-compulsive disorder

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)