Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Treatment of Drug-naïve Obsessive-compulsive Disorder(OCD)

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation(tDCS) Treatment for Drug-naïve Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(OCD)

This study will evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in drug-naïve obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, and the underlying neural mechanism by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG).

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of tDCS over orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in treatment of drug-naïve OCD patients. 60 drug-naïve OCD patients will be randomized into two groups (i.e. active or sham stimulation). tDCS stimulation will be performed once a day, five times a week, for two weeks. The investigators will assess symptom severity before and after two weeks of tDCS. Through the study, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale（Y-BOCS）, the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)and side-effect questionnaire will be obtained by a trained investigator. The patients will also receive MRI scan and TMS-EEG.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age: 18-50 years old;
• DSM-5 criteria for OCD;
• Y-BOCS total score > or = 16, discontinued medication for at least 8 weeks before tDCS stimulation.
• >or＝9 years education

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any axis I psychiatric disorder comorbidity
• The inability to receive tDCS because of metallic implants, or history of seizures，or 3.history of head injury, or history of neurosurgery.
• Participants with claustrophobic, heart pacemaker, mechanical heart valve, mechanical implant such as an aneurysm clip, hip replacement, or any other pieces of metal that have accidentally entered their body.
• Any current significant medical condition.
• serious suicide risk