Effects of median nerve stimulation on OCD symptoms

The University of Nottingham are looking for participants with OCD symptoms that live in the UK and are aged 12 years or older to take part in a study investigating the effects of median nerve stimulation at the wrist on OCD symptoms. A formal diagnosis is not required. The research team have previously shown the effectiveness of this technique in reducing the urge to tic in Tourette Syndrome. There is financial support available for those needing to travel. All participants will receive an inconvenience allowance.

Why is this research being carried out?

We have recently shown that electrical stimulation of the median nerve can reduce symptoms in Tourette Syndrome (TS). About 90% of individuals with TS present other conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) as these conditions involve the same brain regions.

Because of this, we now want to examine the effects of median nerve stimulation on ADHD, OCD, and anxiety symptoms. To do this, we are looking for people aged 12 years and older with ADHD, OCD, or anxiety symptoms to take part in our study.

What is median nerve stimulation?

Median nerve stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that targets a peripheral nerve. Peripheral nerves are able to send signals to the brain, so by stimulating them it is possible to safely and indirectly influence brain activity. This study involves using electrical stimulation applied to the nerve through small electrodes placed over the wrist.

Please contact Erika Badinger (lpzeb2@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk) for more details.