NCT07065669 · University of California, San Francisco
Treating Adolescent Obsessive Compulsive Disorder With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
What this study is about
This is a pilot study to examine the tolerability, safety and early effectiveness of two forms of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treating adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who have experienced limited improvements with usual treatments for OCD in adolescents.
View original scientific description
This is a pilot study to examine the tolerability, safety and early efficacy of two forms of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treating adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who have experienced limited improvements with usual treatments for OCD in adolescents. The project's primary goal is to examine whether adolescents can complete 3 consecutive weeks of TMS administered 5 days per week, and to describe the type of and how common individual side effects with TMS occur in adolescents with OCD.
Interventions
DEVICE
Dorsal medial Prefrontal Cortex intermittent theta burst stimulation
iTBS stimulation of the dmPFC is a FDA-approved treatment for adults with OCD
DEVICE
cTBS to ROFC
continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) 1,800 pulses per session
Primary outcome measures
Completion rate
Time frame: Baseline to completion of all protocol visits, up to 8 weeks
Proportion (percentage) of all participants who enter the study, undergo a minimum of one TMS treatment, and complete the protocol-specified 15 TMS visits
Adverse events
Time frame: Baseline to completion of all protocol visits up to 8 weeks
Frequency (percentage) of individual adverse events
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
- outpatients
- ages 13 - 17 years
- meets current DSM-5 criteria for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with screening CY-BOCS II score \> 16 (moderate to severe).
- stable on chronic psychotropic medications and/or therapy for 8 weeks prior to the study and agreeable to continue throughout the study without changes.
- participants may continue to take medications and record daily usage throughout the study.
- capacity to provide informed assent and parent or legal guardian able to provide consent.
- ability to tolerate clinical study procedures.
- successfully complete the screening forms without any contraindications.
Exclusion criteria
- Psychiatric: history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance/alcohol abuse disorder, current elevated suicide risk, prior psychosurgery, prior ECT.
- Neurologic: severe neurocognitive disorder, seizure disorder, certain structural brain lesions (e.g., intracranial mass lesions, hydrocephalus, sequelae of meningitis, frank brain injury).
- TMS contraindications: implanted device; presence of metal in the head, including eyes and ears (excluding dental implants); certain tics; medications or systemic illness that predispose seizure risk; family history of 1st degree relative with seizure disorder.
- Subjects with an unstable physical, systemic, or metabolic disorder (e.g., unstable hypertension, malnutrition secondary to eating disorder).
- Females who are pregnant or nursing (as determined by a questionnaire and pregnancy test).
- Current and anticipated continued treatment with excluded medication (See prohibited list).
- Inability to complete the research protocol as determined by the Principal Investigator.
Where
- San Francisco, California
Collaborators
Hearst Foundations
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 Jul 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations