NCT07859683 · Bradley Hospital
TMS + Exposure Therapy for Pediatric OCD: Second Phase
(NExT)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to test transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for improving the outcomes of Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) in youth and young adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Researchers will compare two groups: ERP with active ("real") TMS vs. ERP with sham ("fake") TMS.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to test transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for improving the outcomes of Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) in youth and young adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Researchers will compare two groups: ERP with active ("real") TMS vs. ERP with sham ("fake") TMS. The first phase of this study found that active TMS+ERP normalized functioning in brain circuits that contribute to compulsive behavior. This second phase will test whether TMS-induced brain changes lead to improvements in OCD symptom severity.
Interventions
DEVICE
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: continuous theta burst to pre supplementary motor area
TMS will be delivered over the pre supplementary motor area (preSMA) using a continuous bursting pattern
DEVICE
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Sham
Sham stimulation will use the Magstim sham air-cooled coil, which produces auditory signals and appears identical to an active coil but contains a mu-metal shield that diverts the majority of the magnetic flux such that a minimal (\<3%) magnetic field is delivered to the cortex
BEHAVIORAL
Exposure with Response Prevention
ERP will be delivered daily, immediately following TMS
Primary outcome measures
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): connectivity of the pSMA-DLS circuit
Time frame: two weeks (post-treatment)
correlation coefficient representing resting state connectivity between presupplementary motor area (pSMA) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS)
Observed Compulsive Behavior
Time frame: two weeks
Duration of time during which compulsions are observed during ERP sessions
Child/Adult Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Inventory
Time frame: six weeks (1-month follow-up)
Independent-Evaluator (IE) rated measure of OCD symptom severity. Rated on 0 (no symptoms) to 40 (most extreme symptoms) scale
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Between the ages of 12 and 21 years.
- Presence of OCD, as indicated by a score of \> 16 on the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, indicating moderate or greater OCD symptoms.
- Presence of motor compulsions on CY-BOCS compulsion checklist
- English fluency to ensure comprehension of informed consent and study measures and instructions.
Exclusion criteria
- Decline to provide informed consent.
- Has a personal history, or a family history in a first-born relative, of any medical or psychiatric disorder, disease, condition, injury, symptoms or circumstance that, in the opinion of the principal investigator, may: (1) impact the risk profile of TMS; (2) reduce the subject's ability to fulfill the study requirements as per protocol; or (3) adversely impact the integrity of the data or the validity of the study results." Some examples include: epilepsy or seizure disorder(s), bipolar disorder or any psychiatric disorder associated with a risk of mania, intracranial pathology, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, stroke, implanted medical devices or metallic objects in the head, or moderate-severe heart disease
- Pregnant according to the medical history or a urine pregnancy test; and menstruating females who are heterosexually active and not using a highly effective form of contraception (tubal ligation, FDA-approved hormonal contraceptive, or an IUD)
- Inability to undergo MRI.
- Is deemed to be at imminent risk of suicide according to the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) (i.e. answers YES to ≥ one (1) of the four screening questions) and/or in the medical opinion of the investigator
- History of, or risk factors for, neurocardiogenic syncope (history of syncope/ presyncope related to noxious stimuli, anxiety, micturation, or posture).
- Concurrent psychotherapy of any kind for OCD.
- Concurrent TMS or receipt of any TMS experimental or clinical treatment less than 3 months prior to enrollment.
- Taking a medication deemed to pose high seizurogenic potential per physician review
- Taking a medication that has not reached stability criterion (same medication and dose for 6 weeks with no planned changes over the study period)
Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Providence, Rhode Island
Collaborators
University of Minnesota, Butler Hospital
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations