New treatment approach for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia
Official title: Alternative Stimulation Mode and Location for Auditory Hallucination Neuromodulation Treatment
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10951399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations by using a special treatment called rTMS, which aims to improve how their brains work, and it will compare the real treatment to a placebo to see if it makes a difference.
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 | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $565,921 |
| NIH project number | 1R61MH128390-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who experience persistent auditory hallucinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia spectrum disorders or those whose auditory hallucinations are well-managed with existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method of using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The study aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting specific neural circuitry involved in the formation of these hallucinations. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or a sham treatment, with assessments conducted using functional MRI to evaluate brain activity before and after treatment sessions. The goal is to determine if the new stimulation techniques can effectively engage the relevant brain circuits and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients experiencing auditory hallucinations who do not respond to traditional antipsychotic medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with rTMS for treating auditory hallucinations, but this approach is novel in its specific targeting of neural circuitry.
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
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.