Brain stimulation timed to your brain waves for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Plain-English translation of NCT06942559 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

This study is testing a new way to deliver repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)—a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment—to people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The trial compares personalized rTMS, where stimulation is timed to match your brain's natural rhythms (detected through EEG sensors), to standard rTMS delivered on a regular schedule. The goal is to see if matching the stimulation to your brain's activity helps reduce OCD symptoms more effectively.

Many people with OCD don't respond well enough to traditional treatments like therapy or medication. Researchers believe that timing brain stimulation to sync with your brain's own electrical patterns might make the treatment more effective and help it work for people who haven't benefited from other approaches.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with OCD that has not improved after at least one course of therapy or one medication trial
you have moderate to severe OCD symptoms (a score above 20 on a standard OCD severity scale)
you have not started or increased any psychiatric medications in the 4 weeks before enrolling
you are fluent in English and able to understand and sign consent forms

You likely don't qualify if…

you have metal implants, dentures, or electronic devices (like a pacemaker) in your body
you have a history of seizures or serious brain conditions
you are pregnant or aware you might be pregnant
you are taking high doses of anxiety medications (more than 2mg lorazepam equivalent) or seizure medications
you have a serious medical condition requiring immediate treatment, such as recent heart disease

What participation looks like

You would visit the clinic five days a week for six weeks (30 total sessions). During each session, you would receive brain stimulation targeted to a specific brain region using a magnetic coil placed against your scalp. Half of participants will receive personalized stimulation timed to their brain waves (detected by EEG sensors), while the other half receive standard stimulation. You will have your OCD symptoms measured at various points using questionnaires and rating scales, and the researchers will also monitor your brain activity with EEG before, during, and after the treatment course.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Canada

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario