RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06834217

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Extinction in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Characterization and Modulation of Functional Connectivity and Fear Extinction Abnormalities in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Sponsor

Yale University

Enrollment

180 participants

Start Date

Sep 12, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Summary

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with substantial impairments in quality of life and is among the most disabling psychiatric disorders. Exposure therapy is among the first-line of treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) . Extinction learning is thought to be a core mechanism of therapeutic exposure. Fear and safety signal learning are traditionally associated with activity and connectivity within the canonical corticolimbic "fear circuit", which includes the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and hippocampus. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technology that can augment brain plasticity, learning, and memory. The proposed study will test if obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with inhibitory safety learning deficits and if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) normalizes functional connectivity and safety signal processing to recover extinction deficits in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study explores whether a mild, non-invasive form of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — delivering a small electrical current to the scalp — can help people with OCD better "unlearn" their fears during therapy. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older and speak English fluently - You have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - You currently experience significant OCD symptoms that have lasted at least 1 year - Your OCD is your main psychiatric concern - Your psychiatric medications (if any) have been stable for at least 8 weeks **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have an active, severe substance use disorder - You are currently experiencing acute suicidal thoughts - You have a history of bipolar disorder or psychosis - You have a metal implant in your head or a medical device incompatible with brain stimulation - You have a neurological condition that affects cognition Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEActive transcranial direct current stimulation

Multifocal transcranial direct current stimulation will be delivered. The anode will be placed over the frontal pole (Fpz, 10-20 electroencephalogram \[EEG\]) and will be surrounded by 5 return electrodes (cathodes). Current will be set at 1.5mA and will be ramped in and out for 30 seconds at the beginning and end of a 20-minute stimulation period.

DEVICESham transcranial direct current stimulation

Locations(1)

Temple Medical Center

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

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NCT06834217

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