Transcranial direct current stimulation as an augmentation therapy in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A case series

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising neuromodulation technique for augmenting pharmacotherapy in OCD. This case series identified patients diagnosed with OCD, who showed residual symptoms even after two adequate trials of pharmacotherapy corroborated using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) (score of eight and above taken as cutoff). tDCS was given in the form of two milliamperes current with anode at SMA and cathode at the right orbitofrontal area, for twenty minutes, for six sessions (one session per day) in addition to pharmacotherapy. Clinical assessment was performed using the Y BOCS at baseline and post treatment. The results revealed a reduction in OCD symptom severity in all the patients (as per both subjective report and Y-BOCS scores). The patients did not have any severe adverse effects. tDCS appears to be a potential augmentation therapy for individuals with OCD. However, further research is warranted to optimize stimulation parameters and elucidate the long-term effects of tDCS as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for OCD.