Improving smoking cessation for patients with schizophrenia using brain stimulation techniques
Official title: Circuitry-Guided Smoking Cessation in Schizophrenia
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10775767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of brain stimulation might help people with schizophrenia who want to quit smoking, by exploring the brain connections related to both conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 30, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,551 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DA047685-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10775767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are also nicotine dependent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia or who are not nicotine dependent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeted brain stimulation can help patients with schizophrenia quit smoking. It focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in both schizophrenia and nicotine addiction. By using a method called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), the study aims to enhance the chances of quitting smoking for these patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or a placebo treatment, with their brain activity monitored through fMRI to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among patients with schizophrenia, leading to better overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques for addiction treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, L Elliot Elliot — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Hong, L Elliot Elliot
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Social stress and smoking: why disadvantaged young adults struggle to quit
This grant looks at how daily social stress affects if and when disadvantaged young adults who smoke can quit and stay quit.
-
I-STOP: a mobile health program to help people with HIV quit smoking
A smartphone-based program designed to help people with HIV quit smoking in a sustainable, affordable way.
-
Smoking cessation help for people with HIV in South Africa
A program is being tested to help people living with HIV in South Africa quit smoking in ways that fit low-resource clinics and show good value.
-
Mobile tools to understand how sleep affects quitting smoking
This project uses a smartphone to track sleep and smoking in lower-income adults trying to quit to find how sleep patterns relate to staying smoke-free.
-
Integrated approach to lung screening and quitting for African Americans
A multi-level program aims to boost LDCT lung cancer screening uptake and help African American smokers quit, with support from a comprehensive community-focused plan.
-
Peer-led smoking-cessation program for public housing residents
A peer-led program with eight group sessions plus nicotine replacement therapy is tested on adults living in public housing to help them quit smoking.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.