Using deep brain stimulation to help reduce smoking in people with schizophrenia
Official title: Deep rTMS modulating insula synaptic density and smoking behavior in schizophrenia
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10710181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special treatment called deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) can help people with schizophrenia who smoke by changing how their brains work and helping them cut down on smoking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $358,623 |
| NIH project number | 5R61DA056423-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10710181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who also have a smoking habit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia or who do not smoke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) can help patients with schizophrenia who smoke. It aims to understand if this treatment can change brain connections and reduce smoking behavior. By targeting specific areas of the brain, the study seeks to explore the neurobiological mechanisms behind smoking addiction and how they can be modified. Patients will receive dTMS treatment while researchers monitor changes in brain activity and smoking habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for reducing smoking in patients with schizophrenia, potentially improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that dTMS can be effective for smoking cessation in the general population, but its application in schizophrenia is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abi-Dargham, Anissa — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Abi-Dargham, Anissa
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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.