Brain-Oscillation Synchronized Stimulation of the DMPFC

Launched by CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH · Apr 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), particularly for those who have not found relief from traditional therapies. The study is exploring a method called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. What makes this trial unique is that it uses a personalized approach, where treatment is tailored based on brain activity measured by a technique called electroencephalography (EEG). The goal is to see if this personalized treatment is more effective than the standard, non-personalized rTMS.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of OCD, and have not responded to at least one course of therapy. They should also be fluent in English and willing to follow all study procedures. Participants can expect to receive treatment and undergo various assessments during the study. It's important to note that certain medical conditions and devices may disqualify someone from participating, so there are specific criteria in place to ensure safety. Overall, this trial aims to provide new insights into effective treatments for OCD and offer hope to those who have struggled with it.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Are 18-65 years old;
• • 2. Have OCD as a primary disorder, confirmed by a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnosis of OCD, with treatment resistance defined as a failure of at least one course of cognitive-behavioural therapy or a single trial of an SSRI;
• • 3. Does not meet criteria for substance use disorder as determined by the MINI (with the exception of nicotine and caffeine);
• • 4. Have a Y-BOCS score \>20;
• • 5. Are fluent in the English language (spoken, written, reading);
• • 6. Have had no increase or initiation of any psychotropic medication in the 4 weeks prior to screening;
• • 7. Must be deemed to have capacity to provide informed consent;
• • 8. Must sign and date the informed consent form;
• • 9. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Have any contraindications to TMS as determined by the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen (TASS) questionnaire;
• • 2. Have a history of a medical or neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease);
• • 3. Are pregnant or breast feeding. TMS is not unsafe in pregnancy and therefore the study team is not requiring a pregnancy test prior to entry. If participants become pregnant during the study they will not be excluded. The study team is not including people who are currently aware of being pregnant as OCD can be affected during the later stages of pregnancy and therefore is a potential confound;
• • 4. Have a history of seizures;
• • 5. Have any metal implants or dentures;
• • 6. Have a serious or unstable medical condition requiring immediate investigation or treatment (e.g., severe or recent cardiac disease);
• • 7. Have a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants, implanted electronic devices, non-electronic metallic implants, or other contraindications for rTMS;
• • 8. Take more than 2mg of lorazepam or equivalent benzodiazepine, or any anticonvulsant medication;
• • 9. Fulfill criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder.